The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have demanded the immediate release of detained human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi and the dropping of all charges against him, including criminal defamation. In a joint statement, the groups criticized President Tinubu’s administration for “targeting journalists, activists, and human rights defenders,” calling for an end to the use of repressive laws like the Cybercrime Act to stifle dissent.
They urged the government to ensure the protection of media and civil society, respect court rulings, and repeal laws that restrict freedom of expression, emphasizing that such actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations.
The groups also called on the international community to pressure Nigerian authorities to halt repression, protect media freedom, and investigate human rights violations.