With four journalists facing prosecution and cybercrime allegations for exposing corruption in the past year, Nigeria has ranked among the top eight African countries stifling press freedom through legislation.

A report on press freedom by the Centre for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) revealed that no fewer than 67 journalists were jailed across Africa in 2024.

In several cases, governments used laws as tools of oppression to stifle journalists’ voices, including in Nigeria.

In Ethiopia, for instance, five journalists face terrorism charges for reporting on the Amhara Conflict. “In Ethiopia, five of the six journalists held by authorities are facing terrorism charges after covering the ongoing conflict in Amhara; the maximum penalty, if convicted, is death,” the report noted.

Unlike Ethiopia, Nigeria uses the Cybercrime Act to detain and prosecute journalists who uncover corruption.

Despite pleas from civil society organisations (CSOs), including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), urging the Nigerian government to end press oppression under the act, the issue persists.

Notable cases in the past year include journalist Agba Jalingo, who was prosecuted for a report accusing a relative of former Cross River governor Ben Ayade of engaging someone to sit for an examination on her behalf. Another case involved Foundation for Investigative Journalism reporter Daniel Ojukwu, who was detained by police for publishing a report linking the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Orelope Adefulire, to alleged corruption.

Other African countries on the list include Egypt, Eritrea, Burundi, Cameroon, Rwanda, and Senegal. (The Guardian)