The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has strongly condemned the ongoing detention of four Nigerian journalists facing cyber stalking allegations.

Olurotimi Olawale, editor of National Monitor, and Precious Chukwunonso, publisher of a private news platform, were arrested on September 20. Rowland Olonishuwa, a Herald newspaper reporter, and Seun Odunlami, publisher of Newsjaunts, were arrested on September 25.

The journalists were charged with violating the Cybercrimes Act for publishing a report accusing Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) CEO Segun Agbaje of involvement in alleged N1 trillion (US$600 million) fraud.

Despite pleading not guilty, they were remanded at a Lagos correctional center, awaiting a bail hearing initially set for October 4 but rather than continue with the trial, they were re-arraigned on a different suit in what has been described as a delay tactics by GTBank.

In a surprising twist, the house of representatives has launched an investigation into the matter, while the journalists were made to remove their articles.

The charges against them have been amended to 10 counts, including making false allegations on social media with intent to extort and threaten GTBank’s management, as well as harming the bank’s reputation, and the reputation of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa program, urged Nigerian authorities to release the journalists and end the criminalization of the press.

“Nigerian authorities’ additional charges against these four journalists emphasize their commitment to sending a chilling message to journalists across the country.”

The Incarcerated Journalists:

• Olurotimi Olawale, National Monitor editor
• Precious Chukwunonso, private news platform publisher
• Rowland Olonishuwa, Herald newspaper reporter
• Seun Odunlami, Newsjaunts publisher

The CPJ’s call to action highlights the pressing need to protect press freedom in Nigeria and ensure that journalists can report without fear of reprisal.