The Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID) has condemned the harassment of journalists by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Abuja during the trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on March 21, 2025.
The CJID, in a statement signed by its deputy director, Journalism Programme, Mrs. Busola Ajibola, noted that the DSS operatives forcefully removed a TVC cameraman from the court premises, despite him carrying out his lawful duties. The security agents also harassed his colleague, who was recording the incident outside the premises.
Footage of the altercation, published by Sahara Reporters, shows DSS officers aggressively chasing the journalist away, in what CJID described as an undue assault and intimidation of the press.
CJID strongly criticized the incident, calling it a direct attack on press freedom and democracy. The organization noted that the Press Attack Tracker, a monitoring tool for media rights violations, had documented 157 verified cases of press harassment between May 2023 and February 2025.
According to the statement, 135 of these cases occurred between January and December 2024, while eight violations have been recorded so far in 2025. The group argued that such actions hinder journalists from carrying out their responsibility of reporting on critical national issues.
“This condemnable attack underscores the highhandedness of security officials against journalists under the President Tinubu-led administration,” the statement read.
CJID warned that obstructing journalists in their professional duties violates Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees press freedom and the right to information.
It also pointed out that such incidents contravene international media protection laws, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The organization called on the DSS, the Presidency, and the National Assembly to immediately investigate the officers involved and ensure accountability.
“It is imperative that a clear message is sent that such violations of press freedom will not be tolerated,” said Mrs. Ajibola.
The harassment of journalists covering judicial proceedings and politically sensitive cases has raised growing concerns over press freedom in Nigeria. Media rights groups have repeatedly urged security agencies to respect journalists’ rights, warning that continued intimidation could undermine democracy and transparency in governance.
CJID reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, calling on the government to ensure that journalists can work without fear of harassment or intimidation.
