By Anne Agbi,The Nation
Copyright thenationonlineng
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the increasing intimidation and harassment of journalists across Nigeria, cautioning that the pattern undermines press freedom and the right of citizens to information.
MRA’s condemnation followed the recent arrest and detention of Hassan Kangiwa in Kebbi State, allegedly on the orders of Governor Nasir Idris, after he circulated a video exposing the deplorable condition of facilities at the Kangiwa General Hospital.
Hassan had posted a video showing an elderly patient lying helplessly on a bare metal bed frame without a mattress, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed calls for accountability in the health sector.
In a statement by MRA’s Programme Officer, John Gbadamosi, the organisation stated that instead of addressing the decay in the hospital system, the governor allegedly ordered Kangiwa’s arrest, criminalising his work as a journalist.
It was noted that according to eyewitnesses, security operatives stormed Hassan’s residence in Kangiwa town late on Sunday, September 7, 2025, arresting him in front of his family, and confiscating his phones and working tools.
He was reportedly first held at a local police station before being transferred to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, where he remains in custody without access to legal representation.
MRA lamented that the case highlights a disturbing pattern of attacks on journalists in the country.
Gbadamosi said: “These repeated incidents point to a deteriorating environment for media freedom in the country. The culture of impunity, enabled by government, has emboldened perpetrators, both state and non-state actors, who now attack journalists without fear of consequences.”
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MRA also cited other recent cases, including: “The June 2025 beating of The Punch correspondent, Olatunji Adebayo, in Ibadan, Oyo State, by security operatives, who also seized his equipment.
“The July 2025 assault of freelance broadcaster, Blessing Okonkwo, by the police in Anambra State while filming a demolition exercise. The August 2025 detention and physical assault of Daily Trust photojournalist, Ibrahim Garba, by political party loyalists in Kano.
“The intimidation of NTA correspondent and former NAWOJ president, Ladi Bala, by the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, during coverage of a train derailment on August 27, 2025.
“The September 9, 2025, arrest of FIJ reporter, Sodeeq Atanda, by the Ekiti State Police Command over his report alleging sexual harassment by FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, and the police summons issued to FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, to appear in Ado-Ekiti on September 15, 2025, over alleged conspiracy and defamation.”
MRA, therefore, urged the Federal Government to comply with a February 16, 2024, Federal High Court order mandating investigations and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks on journalists.
They also called for urgent intervention by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the United Nations human rights mechanisms to hold Nigeria accountable.
“Nigeria has committed itself to upholding human rights standards at both regional and global levels. It must now be held to account for its failure to protect journalists. The international community cannot afford to remain silent in the face of these attacks,” Gbadamosi said.
