…as Amnesty International insists the journalist was targeted simply for carrying out his professional duties.
MINNA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times reports that Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest of investigative reporter Ahmed Isa Sakpe by the Niger State Police Command, describing the action as unlawful and a direct attack on press freedom in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the rights organisation alleged that Sakpe was arrested on the orders of a Niger State government official over what it termed “trumped-up accusations” of cyberbullying.
According to Amnesty International, the journalist was targeted simply for carrying out his professional duties.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of investigative reporter Ahmed Isa Sakpe,” the statement read.
“He was arrested by the Niger State Police Command on the alleged orders of an official of the Niger State government on trumped-up accusations of ‘cyber bullying,’ simply for carrying out his professional duties.”
Call to Uphold Constitutional Rights
The organisation urged both the Niger State government and the Nigeria Police Force to respect and protect citizens’ constitutional rights, particularly freedom of expression.
“Niger State government and the Nigeria Police must uphold their obligation to respect and facilitate everyone’s right to freedom of expression,” Amnesty stated.
It further stressed that intimidating, harassing, or punishing journalists for their work contravenes both Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights standards.
“It is contrary to both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards to intimidate, harass, threaten or punish journalists solely for carrying out their professional duties.”
Tinubu Government Urged to Intervene
Amnesty International also called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue clear directives to security and law enforcement agencies to refrain from targeting journalists and independent media outlets.
“President Bola Tinubu’s government must give a clear directive to security and law enforcement agencies to refrain from harassing or targeting critical journalists and independent media outlets,” the group said.
The organisation emphasised that a free, uncensored, and unhindered press remains a cornerstone of democratic governance.
As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Police Command had yet to issue an official clarification regarding the arrest.
