By Christian George
The Coalition for Whistle-blower Protection and Press Freedom has condemned the remand of the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, Agba Jalingo in prison custody over an alleged false publication.
Mr Jalingo was arrested and subsequently charged under the Cybercrime Act 2015 of Nigeria for publishing an article that was aimed to have ‘insulted’ Elizabeth Ayade, who is the sister-in-law of Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade.
According to Premium Times, Mr Jalingo’s arrest is a blatant attack on press freedom and a clear violation of the fundamental human right to freedom of expression. The CWPPF believes that journalists should be free to report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisal or intimidation. The remand of Agba Jalingo in prison custody is a dangerous precedent that sets a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Nigeria and raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to it.
The source further stated that the Cybercrime Act, which criminalises the use of the internet for various purposes including fraud, child pornography and cyberstalking, has been misused to silence journalists and dissenting voices, which constitutes a threat to press freedom.
The group has called for a review of the Cybercrime Act, reiterating that it has become a tool for the suppression of free speech and press freedom.
The group charged the government to respect press freedom and take measures to ensure that journalists are free to report on issues of public interest without fear of intimidation or harassment.
It noted that Nigeria has a long history of harassing and arresting journalists who report on government corruption, human rights abuses, and other issues of public interest.
The group also called for the immediate release of the publisher, adding that Cybercrime Act should not be used to suppress freedom of expression.
