Journalist Precious Eze Arrest Highlights Threats to Press Freedom in Nigeria
In a troubling development for press freedom in Nigeria, Precious Eze, a journalist and publisher of the online newspaper “News Platform,” was arrested by officers from the Nigerian Police Force’s Zone 2 Command. The arrest took place at Eze’s Gbagada, Lagos home on Monday, May 27, following a complaint from prominent businessman and politician Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe.
Eze’s arrest has sparked widespread concern among media professionals and advocates for press freedom. The incident appears to be linked to Eze’s recent publications, which were critical of Igwe. The articles in question—titled “GUN SHOTS IN VGC: MD & CEO Of Mainland Oil & Gas Ltd, Chris Odinaka Igwe Alleged to Have Opened Fire After Dog Encounter Turns Hostile” and “RE-VIOLENT ATTACK ON DR. CHRIS IGWE: MD, Mainland Oil & Gas Shares His Own Side of The Story on The Incident”—reportedly led to allegations of offensive publication and threats of violence. These accusations seem more like efforts to silence a critical voice rather than addressing any genuine threats.
Following his arrest, Eze was detained for nearly a week. It was only after his colleagues from the Society of Digital Newspaper Owners of Nigeria (SDNON) learned of his detention and attempted to secure his release on bail that the situation came to light. However, their efforts were initially unsuccessful.
On Thursday, May 30, Eze was arraigned before the Ebute Meta Magistrate Court. The magistrate dismissed the case, deeming it without merit and affirming that Eze had no case to answer. Despite this ruling, Eze was returned to custody and re-arraigned before another magistrate the following day, with the case adjourned to a future date in June.
This sequence of events is not merely a personal ordeal for Precious Eze; it is a stark example of the broader threats facing journalists in Nigeria. The actions of the police, apparently influenced by a powerful individual such as Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe, represent a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the press. Such actions undermine the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where journalists must be free to report and hold those in power accountable without fear of retribution.
The Nigerian Constitution (1999), the Evidence Act (2011), and the ethical codes of the Nigerian Press Council Act (1992) all support journalistic freedom and the protection of sources. The prolonged detention and legal harassment of Precious Eze starkly contrast these protections, highlighting the vulnerabilities that journalists face in Nigeria.
As this case unfolds, it is crucial for the Nigerian judiciary to uphold the principles of justice and press freedom. The international community, press freedom advocates, and civil society must remain vigilant and vocal in their support for Eze and all journalists facing similar threats.
The detention of Precious Eze is not an isolated incident but part of a worrying trend. It follows the unlawful arrests of former First Post editor Segun Olatunji by soldiers and The Gazette journalist Emmanuel Ojukwu, among others. Eze himself was previously abducted by the State Security Service over a story on Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.
This latest incident is a call to action to safeguard the rights of journalists and, by extension, the public’s right to be informed.
