Calabar, Nigeria—In a recent development highlighting concerns over civic rights and press freedom in Nigeria, journalists and civil society organizations are raising alarm over the Nigeria Police’s handling of a case involving journalist Frank Ulom, publisher of The Converseer. The police summoned Ulom without informing him of his alleged offence and the identity of his petitioner. This move has sparked concerns among media and civic organizations over transparency and procedural fairness.
Efio-Ita Nyok, Executive Director of Peace for Development Initiative, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the summons. “We expect the Nigerian police to uphold the law and maintain justice without bias,” Nyok stated.
He emphasized that the civic space and organizations like Peace for Development Initiative and Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta are closely monitoring the case. “For now, we don’t know who Ulom’s petitioner is or the exact nature of the accusations. Our concern is that justice should not only be done but seen to be done,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Archibong Jeremiah, Executive Director of TheInvestigator Journalism Development and Innovation Centre, criticized the vague approach adopted by the police. “The police should communicate who is petitioning Ulom and why he is being summoned. Instead, the officer in charge seemed unsure, which reflects deeper issues with the way such cases are managed,” Jeremiah commented.
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Jeremiah highlighted that his organization’s Environmental and Accountability Reporting Project, which is committed to supporting the civic space and ensuring accountability, is taking the issue seriously. He warned against actions that might intimidate journalists or shrink civic space, referencing the cases of detained journalists, including Agba Jalingo and others. “The safety of journalists is crucial in maintaining a healthy civic space. We’re committed to following this case to ensure that Ulom’s rights are respected,” he affirmed.
Adding to these calls, Inoyo Richard, Country Director of Citizens Solutions Network, underscored the importance of ensuring Ulom’s rights are respected throughout the investigation.
He said “We’re not saying Ulom’s rights have been violated yet, but the police must conduct a thorough and conclusive investigation without using it as a pretext to infringe on his rights.”
He urged the police to either charge the case to court or allow Ulom to exercise his freedom as an innocent citizen until proven otherwise. “If there are allegations, let them be forwarded to court, where he can defend himself in a fair trial,” he added.
As tensions rise over transparency in police procedures, civil society and press organizations are pledging to closely monitor this case, advocating for justice and accountability in the interest of civic freedom in Nigeria.
