Amnesty International Condemns Arrest of Investigative Journalist Ahmed Isa Sakpe, Demands Protection of Press Freedom

Rights advocacy group, Amnesty International,  has sharply criticized the arrest of investigative journalist, Ahmed Isa Sakpe, calling it an unlawful act that undermines press freedom and violates Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees.

According to the organisation, Sakpe was allegedly arrested on orders of the authorities. The arrest was reportedly based on accusations of “cyber bullying,” which Amnesty International described as “trumped-up” and a direct attempt to silence a journalist for performing his professional duties.

In a public statement, the group stressed that both the state government and the police have a legal and moral obligation to respect and protect the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights standards.

“It is contrary to both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights norms to intimidate, harass, threaten, or punish journalists solely for carrying out their work,” the organisation said.

Amnesty International further emphasized that a free, independent, and unhindered press is crucial for any democratic society. It warned that targeting journalists not only undermines transparency but also erodes public trust in state institutions.

The group called on both state and Federal Government to issue clear directives to security and law enforcement agencies to end the harassment of critical journalists and independent media houses. It stressed that safeguarding press freedom is essential to upholding democratic governance and ensuring that citizens can hold power to account.

As of the time of this report, neither the Niger State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force had issued an official response regarding Sakpe’s arrest.

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