Journalist Adegbenro Nurudeen Adenekan, a radio presenter with Mainland98.3FM, has been released after being reportedly abducted by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from his home in Alagbon, Lagos.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, has reignited widespread condemnation of the Nigerian Police Force’s methods of arrest and the continued application of the contentious Cybercrime Act 2015 against journalists and critics.

 

According to Omoyele Sowore, who shared the news of Adenekan’s release, the journalist’s arrest was “unlawful” and part of a pattern of “harassing Nigerians with the draconian Cybercrime Act 2015.” While initial reports from sources close to Adenekan suggested an “abduction” where police broke into his home at midnight, Adenekan himself later clarified that the police were “civil and professional” and that he was invited for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation. This discrepancy underscores the confusion and fear often associated with such arrests.

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Adenekan was reportedly picked up on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. These charges fall under the Cybercrime Act 2015, a law that has become a significant point of contention for human rights organizations, legal experts, and media advocacy groups in Nigeria.

 

The Controversial Cybercrime Act and Press Freedom
The Cybercrime Act 2015 was enacted with the stated aim of combating cyber threats and enhancing national security. However, its provisions, particularly Section 24, have been widely criticized for their vague language, which can be interpreted to criminalize the transmission of messages deemed “grossly offensive,” “indecent,” or causing “annoyance.” This broad scope has, over the years, been repeatedly used by authorities to target journalists, bloggers, activists, and citizens for expressing critical views online.

 

Despite a 2022 judgment by the ECOWAS Court ordering Nigerian authorities to cease using Section 24 of the Act to prosecute individuals for insulting or stalking public officials, and to repeal the section, its application persists. Even after amendments to the Act in 2024, concerns remain.

Media organizations and civil society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), have continuously urged the government to halt the use of the Act against those peacefully expressing their views. They argue that such actions erode democracy and the rule of law.

 

Journalists in Nigeria frequently face arbitrary arrests and detentions, often held beyond constitutionally allowed periods without formal charges or access to legal representation. This incident with Adegbemro Nurudeen Adenekan adds to a growing list of journalists who have been targeted under this law, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that align Nigerian legislation with international human rights standards on freedom of expression and press freedom.

 

A Call for Accountability and Reform
Omoyele Sowore’s call for the Nigeria Police Force to apologize to Nurudeen and “refrain from harassing Nigerians with the draconian Cybercrime Act 2015” resonates with a broader demand for accountability and respect for civil liberties. The continued misuse of the Act not only stifles free speech but also fosters an environment of fear and self-censorship among the media and citizens.

 

As Nigeria navigates its democratic path, the protection of journalistic integrity and the right to express dissent without fear of arbitrary detention are paramount. This recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the imperative for legal reforms that truly uphold the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.