The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has confirmed 86 cases of violations against journalists, media organisations, and citizens across 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025, highlighting a worsening environment for press freedom in Nigeria.
In its 2025 Annual Report on Freedom of Expression, MRA warned that the country is experiencing “a reign of impunity” as attacks on media workers continue to go unpunished. The report noted that not a single incident led to a successful investigation or prosecution, even when criminal offences were involved.
Arrests and detentions were the most common form of suppression, accounting for 38 cases (44% of incidents), while physical violence accounted for 21 incidents (over 24%). The report also documented two killings, including a journalist slain in the line of duty and a woman murdered over alleged blasphemy, as well as one kidnapping and one media outlet shutdown during the year.
The Nigeria Police Force was identified as the leading violator, responsible for 41 incidents (nearly 48% of all attacks). The Department of State Services (DSS) followed with about 7% of cases. Lagos and Abuja recorded the highest number of violations, with 16 and 14 incidents respectively.
MRA’s report further highlighted the growing use of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 (as amended) to target journalists and government critics. Digital surveillance and spyware were also increasingly employed against media practitioners. The report noted that security forces frequently ignored attacks by non-state actors, and sometimes actively participated in suppressing peaceful protests where journalists were covering events.
Executive Director Edetaen Ojo described the “culture of impunity” as the most serious threat to media freedom, warning that it emboldens perpetrators and encourages self-censorship among journalists. He emphasized that while digital technologies are reshaping the media landscape, entrenched political, legal, economic, and social challenges continue to threaten the profession.
MRA called on the federal government to:
- Ensure all attacks on journalists and citizens are promptly investigated with publicized outcomes.
- Issue clear directives to security agencies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests of journalists.
- Establish a national mechanism or policy framework for journalist safety, aligned with the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, including early warning systems and rapid response protocols.
The organisation urged urgent reforms to protect press freedom and safeguard citizens exercising their rights online.
