The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has expressed deep concern over the detention of its executive director, Dayo Aiyetan, and reporter, Nurudeen Akewushola, by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC). The two were detained on allegations of cyberstalking and defamation.
According to a statement from ICIR on Tuesday night, Aiyetan and Akewushola, accompanied by the organization’s lawyers, went to the NPF-NCC around noon and have since been unreachable, including the lawyers. This incident has raised suspicions of a possible ploy by the police to detain the ICIR staff beyond the agreed time.
The situation began on May 15, 2024, when ICIR received invitation letters from the NPF-NCC, requesting Akewushola and the managing director to appear at the centre. The letters, dated April 16, 2024, were delivered to ICIR’s office on May 15. The letter, signed by Commissioner of Police Uche Ifeanyi Henry, indicated an investigation into cyberstalking and defamation, asking the recipients to appear on April 24, which was already past.
In response, ICIR raised concerns about the inconsistencies in the invitation and delivery dates and requested detailed information on the allegations to prepare adequately for the police interview. The police responded with a second set of letters on May 20, adjusting the date and time but still not providing details of the allegations.
The revised invitation set a meeting for May 28 at 12 noon. However, since arriving at the stipulated time, Aiyetan, Akewushola, and their lawyers have been held in custody for over seven hours.
ICIR editor Bamas Victoria voiced the organization’s worry, suggesting that the police might intend to detain the staff indefinitely despite describing the meeting as a “fact-finding invitation.” This detention follows amendments to the Cybercrime Act in February 2024, which were supposed to limit such actions.
The ICIR believes the police’s actions might be linked to an investigation into a dubious land deal involving former police officials, a case reportedly taken to court by one of the implicated officials, although ICIR has not been formally notified.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has also commented on the situation, stating that the arrests of journalists under cyberstalking and criminal intimidation charges are unlawful, especially after the recent amendments to the Cybercrime Act.