Threat to press freedom: Global Rights Demands Unconditional Release of 4 Journalists detained by GTBank
By Imó Etim
Global Rights is demanding the immediate and unconditional release from the continued detention of four (4) journalists held since September 2024 by Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC and its CEO, Segun Agbaje over publications.
Global Rights, an international Non-Governmental Organisation advocating sustainable justice in Nigeria, in a release issued on Tuesday, January 14, 2024, by Abiodun Baiyewu- Executive Director of GR, described the case as a “travesty of justice”, adding that the case highlights the misuse of legal instruments by powerful individuals and institutions against journalists and civic actors.
The journalists—Olurotimi Olawale-47 years old, Precious Eze Chukwunonso -38, Roland Olonishuwa -43, and Seun Odunlami-26, have been detained beyond the 42 days of pre-trial custody allowed by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Olawale, an editor of the privately owned National Monitor newspaper; Precious Chukwunonso, publisher of the privately owned News Platform website; Roland Olonishuwa, a reporter with the privately owned Herald newspaper; and Odunlami, publisher of privately owned Newsjaunts website; were newly charged with making “false and misleading allegations” on social media with intent to “extort” and “threaten” the management of Guaranty Trust Bank, as well as causing “harm” to the bank’s reputation.
“This case highlights an alarming trend of the misuse of legal instruments by powerful individuals and institutions to attack journalists and civic actors who expose unflattering truths. As demonstrated in both the Dele Farotimi case and the plight of these journalists, this unethical practice, which underlies a blatant disregard for the rule of law, underscores an undemocratic message: dissent will not be tolerated and the powerful are at liberty to weaponize instruments of the state, especially enforcement to subvert justice and crush citizens who dare paint unflattering portraits of them.
“Nigeria is a democracy—at least in principle—a constitutional republic where the right to freedom of the press (Section 22) and freedom of expression (Section 39) are enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). These provisions mandate the press to hold power accountable and empower citizens to express themselves freely. Yet, laws like the Cybercrime Act of 2015 (as amended) and outdated criminal defamation statutes have been wielded to crush dissent, silence critics, and further shrink the civic space. It is our considered opinion that these laws are inconsistent with constitutional guarantees and must be declared void to the extent of their inconsistency,” he stated.
Global Rights, beyond demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of the four journalists, also made demands on Judicial accountability, Repeal of oppressive laws a, and Law enforcement reforms to uphold the Nigerian Constitution, fundamental freedoms, and citizens.
“The Immediate Release of All Four Journalists: These journalists must be released unconditionally. GTBank and its CEO must drop all charges and compensate the journalists for their unlawful detention and reputational harm.
“Judicial Accountability: The Chief Justice of Nigeria must mandate the judiciary to dismiss criminal cases that blatantly violate constitutionally protected rights to free expression and press freedom.
“Repeal of Oppressive Laws: The National Assembly and State Legislatures must repeal laws criminalizing defamation. Defamation is a civil matter and should not be weaponized to silence critics.
“Law Enforcement Reform: The Inspector General of Police and law enforcement agencies must resolve not to waste resources pursuing cases stemming from personal vendettas and attempts to suppress dissent.”
The case has continued to gather widespread attention with related bodies and organizations like the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Guild of Digital Publishers amongst others, calling for the journalists to be freed.