Press Freedom Under Threat: Four Journalists Detained, Global Rights Criticises GTBank
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Global Rights has condemned the prolonged detention of four journalists—Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Roland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—since September 2024, labeling it a travesty of justice.
The journalists face charges linked to their reporting on Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), accused of leveraging its influence to suppress press freedom.
The rights group criticised GTBank for allegedly exploiting the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws to stifle dissent voicess and intimidate the press.
If convicted, the journalists could face up to 14 years in prison.
Global Rights called for the immediate release of the journalists, judicial accountability, and the repeal of oppressive laws in consonance with the constitutional guarantees of press freedom in Nigeria,
“This case sets a dangerous precedent for silencing critics and shrinking civic space,” said Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights.
The organisation therefore, urged Nigerians to rally for the protection of press freedom and demand an end to such violations in the new year.
