Journalist Friday Alefia, publisher of Naija News Today, is finally set to be arraigned after being detained without trial for over six weeks. His arrest and prolonged detention, linked to reports critical of a federal lawmaker, have drawn condemnation from legal and press freedom advocates who decry the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act to silence journalists.
Journalist Friday Alefia was arrested on September 23 and detained for six weeks without trial.
He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.The police have filed a five-count charge against him, alleging cyberstalking and false publications.
The charges stem from reports critical of House of Representatives member Chinedu Ogah.His family alleges the detention is politically motivated and has worsened his health.
Legal experts from LEDAP state his prolonged detention is “completely illegal.”The case adds to growing concerns about the weaponization of the Cybercrimes Act against critics.
This case exemplifies the perilous environment for investigative journalism in Nigeria, where laws designed to protect citizens are increasingly used as tools for political repression and to stifle dissent.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
