Nigeria: Police Detain Journalist Over Story About Niger Gov's Aide
Nigerian journalist Ahmed Isah Sakpe has been detained by police over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation involving a government official.
Ahmed Isah Sakpe, known as Ahmed Lee, a journalist working for Prestige FM in Minna, Niger State, has been detained by the police following a complaint from Mohammed Gimba, a protocol aide to the Niger State Governor. The accusations arise from a press statement published on a Facebook platform managed by Sakpe, which allegedly commented on a political crisis in the Niger South Senatorial District.
The arrest occurred after Sakpe was summoned by the police in connection with a petition alleging defamation and falsehood submitted to them. The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that the arrest was initiated based on the complaints made by Gimba, highlighting the serious implications for freedom of the press and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
This incident has sparked concerns regarding governmental actions against media personnel, particularly in light of Nigeria's ongoing challenges with press freedom and efforts to suppress dissenting voices. The case will likely draw attention from human rights advocates who emphasize the importance of protecting journalists and their right to report on matters of public interest without fear of repercussion.