NGE SLAMS SECURITY AGENCIES OVER MISUSE OF CYBERCRIME ACT TO HARASS JOURNALISTS

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the abuse of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act by security agencies, particularly the police, warning that such actions undermine press freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Speaking after its Standing Committee meeting held in Jos, Plateau State on September 17, 2025, the Guild called for an urgent review of the law to ensure it targets financial fraud, identity theft and cyberattacks as originally intended, not silencing journalists.

“The Guild will no longer tolerate this abuse and will use all legal means to ensure the protection of the fundamental human rights of journalists, freedom of the press and freedom of expression,” stated a communiqué signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh. The editors reminded aggrieved parties to approach the Nigerian Press Organisation’s Ombudsman mechanism for addressing media ethics violations rather than turning security agencies into “tools of oppression”.

In addition to press freedom concerns, the NGE expressed worry over inflammatory rhetoric from political actors, cautioning that “careless talks heat up the polity, incite people, instigate crisis and are capable of causing breach of peace and security of the nation. This must stop forthwith,” as warned in the communiqué. The Guild reminded governments at federal, state and local levels that their priority should be citizens’ socio-economic welfare and security, not premature focus on elections like 2027 when current mandates remain unfulfilled.

On national security, the editors urged intensified efforts against banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and herder-farmer clashes to save lives, boost food production and restore confidence among citizens. The NGE appreciated Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang for hosting the meeting and promoting peace in the state.

“The Guild will always stand firm to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standards in our noble profession, and resist any move… to harass and intimidate journalists,” reflecting the NGE’s commitment to press freedom, according to Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh.