The Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ) has decried the detention and trial of four Nigerian journalists—Rowland Olonishuwa, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, and Seun Odunlami—who are currently held at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility in Lagos. Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Chairman of GDJ, Mr. Opeyemi Daniel Adeoti, attributed their ordeal to a petition filed by the Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Mr. Segun Agbaje, over alleged libel against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).
While acknowledging that journalists are not exempt from the law, Mr. Adeoti emphasized that they should not be subjected to punitive legal processes that undermine their fundamental rights. “Journalism is not a criminal offense,” he declared, adding that the journalists’ trial exemplifies an abuse of the recently amended Cybercrime Act.
The GDJ, a union representing over 2,700 professional journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers nationwide, has initiated steps to organize a nationwide boycott of GTB. This follows a similar directive by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council. GDJ members have been advised to close their GTB accounts, with alternative banking options provided to ensure a seamless transition.
Mr. Adeoti criticized the delay tactics in the legal proceedings, with the trial adjourned until December 10 and 12. He also expressed disappointment with the National Secretariat of the NUJ for its muted response, urging it to amplify calls for the release of the journalists.
The Guild has called on stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, human rights organizations, and the global media community, to unite in condemning the unjust treatment of the journalists and to advocate for a review or repeal of the Cybercrime Act’s draconian provisions.
Mr. Adeoti extended gratitude to the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) and senior legal practitioners—Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN; Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN; Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN; Barrister Kunle Afolabi, and Barrister Adebisi Adeniyi—for their support in seeking justice for the detained journalists.
The GDJ urged Nigerian media outlets to give adequate coverage to the case to ensure transparency and fairness in the judicial process.
As the trial of the four journalists continues, the GDJ remains resolute in defending press freedom and protecting journalists from unwarranted persecution.