At least 28 Nigerian journalists have been arrested or detained by government authorities between 2017 and 2026, according to data compiled by Statisense.
The list, which identifies journalists and their media organisations, shows that the incidents were recorded across seven years within the period, with 2022 and 2024 accounting for some of the highest numbers.
In 2017, three journalists were listed: Dapo Olorunyomi and Evelyn Okakwu of Premium Times, and Fejiro Oliver (Tega Oghenedoro) of Secret Reporters.
Samuel Ogundipe of Premium Times was listed in 2018, while six journalists were recorded in 2019. They include Agba Jalingo, Jeremiah Archibong and Ugbal Jonathan of CrossRiverWatch; Nicholas Kalu of The Nation; and Victor Ogungbenro and Tosin Ajuwon of Sahara Reporters.
The data identified seven journalists in 2022, including Haruna Mohammed Salisu and Idris Kamal of WikkiTimes; Ayodeji Adebayo of Daily Metro News/The Nation; John Adenekan, Ameedat Adeyemi and Sammy Ogbu of Peoples Gazette; and Olamilekan Hammed Adewale Bashiru of EaglesForeSight.
In 2024, six journalists were listed: Segun Olatunji of FirstNews, Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Precious Eze Chukwunonso of News Platform, Olurotimi Olawale of National Monitor, Rowland Olonishuwa of The Herald and Seun Odunlami of Newsjaunts.
Three journalists were recorded in 2025: Friday James Alefia of Naija News Today, Buhari Abba of Kano Times and Isma’il Auwal of Sahelian Times.
The 2026 list includes Ahmed Isah Sakpe, popularly known as Ahmed Lee, of Prestige FM/Crusader Radio, and Stanley Ugagbe of Secret Reporters.
The compilation highlights recurring concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, particularly the use of arrests and detention by state authorities in connection with journalists’ work.
However, the data does not provide details of the circumstances surrounding each arrest or detention, the authorities involved, the duration of detention or the eventual outcome of the cases.
Source: Statisense.
