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MRA urges FG to comply with court order on protection of journalists
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government to comply with a 2024 Federal High Court judgment directing it to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of attacks against journalists.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Idowu Adewale, Communications Officer, Media Rights Agenda to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026, the group expressed concern over what it described as the government’s failure to act more than two years after the ruling, warning that such inaction is fueling impunity and encouraging further violations.
MRA Programme Officer, Ayomide Eweje, said the state of media freedom in Nigeria remains troubling, citing persistent attacks on journalists, increasing hostility toward the media, and a restrictive environment for independent reporting.
“Over the past year, Nigeria has witnessed a pattern of intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists by security agencies and other state actors,” she said, adding that reporters covering governance, corruption, and public accountability issues continue to face threats and, in some cases, physical attacks.
Eweje recalled that on February 16, 2024, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered judgment in a suit filed against the Attorney-General of the Federation by Abuja-based lawyer Mojirayo Ogunlana on behalf of MRA.
The court granted eight declaratory reliefs and ordered the Federal Government to take measures to prevent attacks on journalists, investigate and prosecute offenders, and ensure victims have access to effective remedies.
Despite the ruling, MRA said perpetrators of attacks are rarely held accountable, a situation it warned is undermining the rule of law and eroding public confidence.
The organisation also raised concerns about the misuse of laws, particularly the Cybercrime Act, to suppress dissent, noting that journalists, bloggers, and media platforms are often targeted under the guise of national security or public order.
It further highlighted economic challenges facing the media sector, including declining revenues and undue political and commercial influence, which it said are threatening editorial independence and limiting investigative journalism.
MRA called on the government to end harassment and unlawful detention of journalists, ensure prompt and transparent investigations into attacks, and review laws inconsistent with constitutional and international guarantees of freedom of expression.
The group also urged full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to enhance access to information and strengthen democratic governance.
Eweje appealed to security agencies, regulators, and political actors to respect the rights of journalists, particularly during elections and in public interest reporting.
She commended journalists across the country for their resilience, describing their work as vital to safeguarding democratic values and citizens’ rights to information.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
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