Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest of investigative reporter Ahmed Isa Sakpe by the Niger State Police Command, describing the action as unlawful and an attack on press freedom.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty International alleged that Sakpe was arrested on the orders of a Niger State government official over what it described as “trumped-up accusations” of cyberbullying.
According to the organisation, the journalist was targeted “simply for doing his job.”
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of investigative reporter Ahmed Isa Sakpe,” the statement read.
“He was arrested by the Niger State Police Command on the alleged orders of an official of the Niger State government on trumped-up accusations of ‘cyber bullying,’ simply for carrying out his professional duties.”
The rights group called on both the Niger State government and the Nigeria police to uphold their constitutional and international obligations to protect freedom of expression.
“Niger State government and the Nigeria Police must uphold their obligation to respect and facilitate everyone’s right to freedom of expression,” Amnesty International stated.
The organisation further stressed that intimidating or punishing journalists for their work contravenes both domestic and international legal standards.
“It is contrary to both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards to intimidate, harass, threaten or punish journalists solely for carrying out their professional duties,” the statement added.
Amnesty International emphasised that a free and independent press remains a cornerstone of democratic governance.
“A free, uncensored and unhindered press is essential in any society to ensure freedom of expression,” it said.
The organisation also urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to take decisive steps to prevent further harassment of journalists.
“President Bola Tinubu’s government must give a clear directive to security and law enforcement agencies to refrain from harassing or targeting critical journalists and independent media outlets,” the group said. As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Police Command is yet to make clarifications on the matter.
