Reps warns police, security agencies against attacks on journalists

The House of Representatives has called for an end to attacks against journalists by security agencies.

The lawmakers have also resolved investigate recent cases of journalist detention, and to pressure the government to respect press freedom.

This decision was made on Thursday following the adoption of a motion moved by an Akwa-Ibom lawmaker, Clement Jimbo.

In the motion, Jimbo condemned the attack on journalists by security agencies using the Cybercrime Act. He stated that the Police continue to use the the Cybercrime Act to attack journalists despite the amendment of the bill.

He stated that attacks on journalists has increased under the current administration.

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“There has been a troubling increase in the number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed for carrying out their professional duties relying on the offence of Cyber-Stalking within the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.

“Earlier this year, the President signed the Amended Act with a substantial adjustment to Section 24, which listed what constitutes cyber-stalking and provided the punishment for such offences. However, law enforcement agents have neglected this aspect and continued their clampdown on free speech,” he said.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to pass laws to strengthen press freedom protection, conduct inquiries into recent cases of journalist detention, and engage in efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.