Editors condemn harassment of journalists, demand review of Cybercrime Act
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called for an urgent review of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, warning against its abuse by law enforcement agencies to harass and intimidate journalists in the country.
Rising from its Standing Committee meeting held on September 17, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State, the Guild strongly condemned the frequent use of the law by security agents, particularly the police, to arrest and illegally detain journalists for carrying out their constitutional duties.
“The Guild will no longer tolerate this abuse and will use all legal means to ensure the protection of the fundamental human rights of journalists, freedom of the press and freedom of expression,” the body stated in its communiqué signed by President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.
The NGE said the Cybercrime Act must be applied strictly for its original intent — tackling offences such as financial fraud, identity theft, and cyberattacks — rather than being weaponised against the media.
It also reminded security agencies of the Ombudsman process established by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) to handle violations of journalism ethics. The Guild urged petitioners to approach the Ombudsman or seek legal redress instead of using security agencies “as tools of oppression, intimidation and harassment.”
While cautioning journalists to uphold professionalism and adhere to the Code of Ethics by shunning blackmail and defamation, the Guild expressed concerns over the conduct of political actors. It accused both government and opposition figures of resorting to personal attacks and name-calling instead of focusing on governance and offering solutions to national challenges.
According to the NGE, careless rhetoric by politicians “heats up the polity, incites people, instigates crisis and is capable of causing breach of peace and security of the nation,” and must stop immediately.
The editors also reminded all tiers of government that their primary duty is to improve the welfare and security of citizens, urging leaders to fulfil their current mandates rather than being distracted by discussions about future elections.
In addition, the Guild pressed the federal government and security agencies to step up efforts against banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and herder-farmer clashes to save lives, boost food security, and ensure citizens can live safely across the country.
The communiqué concluded with appreciation to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, for hosting the meeting and fostering peace among diverse communities in the state.
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