The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) vehemently condemns the unwarranted arrest, incarceration, and arraignment of Mr. Gabriel Idibia, Head of Bureau Northern Operations at Daybreak Nigeria, by operation ‘’Yaki’’ police in Kaduna on November 13th.
Mr. Idibia was apprehended by operation “Yaki” police in Kaduna on November 13th and subjected to two days of detention over his exposé on the deplorable conditions of the 2023 Kaduna Hajj camp. Following his arrest, he was arraigned in court and released on November 15th, albeit under difficult bail conditions.
He now faces charges of Defamation of Character, Intimidation, and Incitement of Contempt of Religion, with court proceedings scheduled for today.
This act represents a severe violation of press freedom, aiming to intimidate journalists in the lawful discharge of their duties. Journalism is a constitutional right (Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution) empowering journalists to hold the government accountable to the public.
The Coalition stands with Mr. Idibia, denouncing the harassment and unlawful actions perpetrated against him.
Details of Mr. Idibia’s Case:
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Initial arrest on October 26, 2023, leading to subsequent release on bail.
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Rearrest on November 9, 2023, resulting in two days of detention.
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Charges include Defamation of Character, Intimidation, and Incitement of Contempt of Religion.
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Court appearance scheduled for November 28, 2023.
In a press release, Daybreak Nigeria highlighted the unconstitutional demands placed on Mr. Idibia, including pressure to disclose his sources and unusually stringent bail conditions.
Dr. Austin Maho, Publisher of Daybreak Nigeria Newspaper and Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, strongly asserts, “The incarceration of Gabriel Idibia in the course of his job is a gross abuse of his rights, criminalization of journalism, and a violation of the public’s right to know.”
The Coalition fervently implores the immediate intervention of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Civil Society Organizations, media rights groups, and all stakeholders to advocate on behalf of Mr. Idibia.
The group also urge influential bodies to counsel those responsible for Mr. Idibia’s continuous harassment, emphasising the imperative to cease such unwarranted aggression.
The group reiterates its confidence in the judiciary to promote and protect press freedom and guarantee the safety of journalists persecuted because of their role as watchdogs in a democracy.
The Coalition for Whistle-blowers Protection and Press Freedom remains committed to defending the rights of journalists and preserving the democratic values.
Signed
Busola Ajibola,
Deputy Director, Journalism, CJID
For:
CWPPF Members:
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Premium Times
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The Cable
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Daily Trust Newspaper
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International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)
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Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ)
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Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
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African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
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Civic Media Lab
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Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC)
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International Press Centre (IPC)
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International Press Institute (IPI)
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Media Rights Agenda (MRA)
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Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
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Paradigm Initiative
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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
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HEDA Resources Centre
