MEDIA Rights Agenda (MRA) has strongly condemned the growing wave of attacks, intimidation, and harassment of journalists across Nigeria, describing the trend as a grave threat to press freedom, freedom of expression, and citizens’ right to information.
The organisation’s reaction followed the recent arrest and detention of Mr. Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa in Kebbi State, allegedly on the orders of Governor Nasir Idris, after he circulated a video exposing the deplorable condition of facilities at the Kangiwa General Hospital.
Hassan had posted a video showing an elderly patient lying helplessly on a bare metal bed frame without a mattress, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed calls for accountability in the health sector.
In a statement by its Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, MRA said that instead of addressing the rot in the hospital system, the governor allegedly ordered Kangiwa’s arrest, thereby criminalising his work as a journalist.
Eyewitnesses said security operatives stormed Hassan’s residence in Kangiwa town late on Sunday, September 7, 2025, arresting him in front of his family and confiscating his phones and working tools.
He was reportedly held at a local police station before being transferred to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, where he remains in custody without access to legal representation.
MRA lamented that the incident reflects a disturbing pattern of attacks on journalists nationwide.“These repeated incidents point to a deteriorating environment for media freedom in the country. The culture of impunity, enabled by government, has emboldened perpetrators, both state and non-state actors, who now attack journalists without fear of consequences,” Gbadamosi said.
The group cited other recent cases, including:The June 2025 assault on The Punch correspondent, Olatunji Adebayo, by security operatives in Ibadan, Oyo State, who also seized his equipment.
The July 2025 attack on freelance broadcaster, Blessing Okonkwo, by police in Anambra State during coverage of a demolition exercise.
The August 2025 detention and physical assault of Daily Trust photojournalist, Ibrahim Garba, by political party loyalists in Kano.
The intimidation of NTA correspondent and former NAWOJ president, Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, during coverage of a train derailment on August 27, 2025.
The September 9, 2025, arrest of FIJ reporter, Sodeeq Atanda, by Ekiti State Police over his report on sexual harassment allegations against FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, as well as a police summons issued to FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, to appear in Ado-Ekiti on September 15, 2025, over alleged conspiracy and defamation.
MRA urged the Federal Government to comply with a February 16, 2024, Federal High Court ruling mandating investigations and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks on journalists.
It further called on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the United Nations human rights mechanisms to urgently intervene and hold Nigeria accountable.
“Nigeria has committed itself to upholding human rights standards at both regional and global levels. It must now be held to account for its failure to protect journalists. The international community cannot afford to remain silent in the face of these attacks,” Gbadamosi stressed.