The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the alleged arrest and detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the action as an attack on press freedom and freedom of expression.
In a statement on Thursday, the organisation called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the DSS to immediately release Sodiq, insisting that she was being detained solely for carrying out her legitimate duties as a journalist and peacefully exercising her fundamental human rights.
SERAP said the reported detention represented “yet another disturbing attack” on the media and the public’s constitutional right to seek, receive and impart information.
The organisation stressed that journalism is not a crime, adding that no journalist should face arrest, detention, intimidation or harassment for reporting on matters of public interest. It noted that a free and independent press remains essential for democracy, transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
The group further argued that the rule of law requires all detentions to comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and judicial oversight, warning that arbitrary detention has no place in a democratic society.
SERAP urged Nigerian authorities to immediately halt the use of arbitrary detention and other forms of intimidation against journalists, critics and human rights defenders, warning that Sodiq’s detention could further shrink Nigeria’s civic space and discourage independent journalism.
The organisation also renewed its call on the Tinubu administration to withdraw what it described as politically motivated and unfounded charges against journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore.
According to SERAP, the legal actions against Sowore appear aimed at intimidating and silencing him for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. It warned that such actions could create a chilling effect on journalists, human rights defenders and other critical voices across the country.
Calls for Review of Cybercrime Law
SERAP further urged President Tinubu, state governors, lawmakers and other public officials to end what it described as the ongoing intimidation and harassment of journalists, bloggers, activists and civil society organisations.
The organisation called on authorities to stop using provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, criminal and penal laws, as well as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), to target individuals peacefully expressing their views online.
It argued that the continued use of such laws undermines democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and is inconsistent with Nigeria’s Constitution and its obligations under international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
SERAP urged President Tinubu to publicly direct the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and state governments to respect the rights of journalists, bloggers, activists and human rights defenders.
The organisation also called on the Federal Government, the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to uphold human rights, guarantee press freedom, ensure access to information, obey court judgments and respect the rule of law.
It further appealed to the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for alleged human rights violations and to press for the immediate and unconditional release of individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights.
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