The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the arrest and detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq by the Department of State Services (DSS), calling on President Bola Tinubu to order her immediate release.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, the rights group described Sodiq’s detention as an assault on press freedom and freedom of expression, alleging that she was arrested solely for carrying out her professional duties as a journalist.
SERAP urged President Tinubu to direct the DSS to release Sodiq without delay, insisting that journalism should not be treated as a criminal offence.
According to the organisation, the detention violates the public’s right to seek, receive and impart information and represents another setback for media freedom in Nigeria.
“Journalism is not a crime. No journalist should be subjected to arrest, detention, intimidation, harassment or reprisals simply for carrying out professional duties or reporting on matters of public interest,” the group stated.
SERAP also called on the Federal Government to end what it described as the arbitrary detention and intimidation of journalists, critics and human rights defenders, warning that such actions could further erode Nigeria’s civic space.
The organisation renewed its appeal for the withdrawal of what it termed politically motivated charges against activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, alleging that the prosecution was aimed at silencing dissent.
It further urged Nigerian authorities to stop using provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, criminal and penal laws, as well as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), to target journalists, bloggers, activists and civil society organisations.
SERAP called on President Tinubu, state governors, security agencies and other public officials to uphold press freedom, respect the rule of law and ensure that journalists and citizens can exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation.
The organisation also appealed to the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for alleged human rights violations and to advocate for the unconditional release of individuals detained for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights.
