Nigerian Editors frown at abuse of Cybercrime Act by law enforcement agents

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), have condemned the abuse of the Cybercrime Act (Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act by law enforcement agents, particularly the police against media practitioners.

Penpushing reports that the elite professional body of Managing Directors, Directors of News and Editors in print, broadcast, news agency and online organization in Nigeria made this known in a communique issued at end of robust deliberations on critical issues affecting the media, governance and the society held on September 17, 2025 in Jos, Plateau State.

The Standing Committee in the communique jointly signed by Eze Anaba (President) and Onuoha Ukeh(General Secretary), noted that, law enforcement agents harass, intimidate, arrest and illegally detain journalists who are exercising their rights to freedom of the press and thereby undermining democracy and the rule of law.

Penpushing further reports that the guild called for a thorough review of the Cybercrime Act and its use for the original intension, which is to fight cybercrime in relation to financial fraud, identity theft and attacks on computer systems, among others.

The communique reminds security agencies that the Ombudsman process instituted by the Nigerian Press Organisation is capable of addressing infractions to the Code of Journalism Ethics as has been proven in the past.

‘Security agencies should respect this process by encouraging those who write petitions and making them the arbiter to approach the Ombudsman or seek legal redress instead of making security agencies tool of oppression, intimidation and harassment’, the communique reads.

Penpushing also reports that the communique called on journalists to do their job with high level of professionalism by adhering to the Code of Ethics approved by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) and not to engage in any form of blackmail, and defamation whatsoever.

The guild expressed concerns about the increasing excesses of political actors, both in government and the opposition, and calls on them to address national issues and governance instead of personal attacks and name-calling.

‘The conduct of politicians is worrisome, whether in government or the opposition. They should desist from personal attacks and name calling. They should address issues of governance and proffer solutions. Careless talks heat up the polity, incite people, instigate crisis and are capable of causing breach of peace and security of the nation. This should stop forthwith’, the communique emphasise

Penpushing reports that the communique reminds the three tiers of government – federal, state and local governments – that the main purpose of governance is to address fundamental issues bordering on citizens’ socio-economic wellbeing and security.

The Nigeria Editors urged government at all levels to focus on governance and stop talking about future elections when they have not fulfilled their Social Contract in the subsisting term of office.

Penpushing further reports that they urged the federal government and the security agencies to be more proactive and effective in tackling banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, herder-farmer clashes and other vices, for the purposes of saving lives, boosting food security and creating a more conducive environment for Nigerian citizens wherever they live.

The meeting expressed thanks to the Plateau State governor, Caleb Muftwang, for playing host to editors and for striving to better the lives of the people and ensure a cordial relationship among all ethnic groups in the state.

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