Journalist’s equipment was confiscated, and she was held in custody for eight hours

Location: Nigeria, Abuja,
Date: February 22, 2024

Women Press Freedom demands answers from Nigerian Police for their unlawful detention of Kasarachi Aniagol — who was assaulted, threatened, and had her work equipment confiscated by officers of the anti-violence crime unit  she was covering a police raid. A full investigation into the circumstances of her assault and detention must be carried out, journalists must not face reprisals for reporting. This incident further highlights a disturbing trend of violence and intimidation against women journalists in Nigeria. Over the past year, we have documented numerous violations, including abductions and an assassination attempt. We are deeply troubled by the impunity with which these attacks occur. We demand a thorough investigation into the assault and detention of Kasarachi Aniagolu, journalists must not face reprisals for reporting.

LATEST VIOLATIONS

On February 22, 2024, Kasarachi Aniagolu, a journalist with The Whistler Newspaper, was unlawfully detained by the anti-violence crime unit of the Nigerian Police Force. Aniagolu was covering a police raid on Bureau de Change operators when she was violently apprehended.

Reports from the Whistler state that Aniagolu explicitly identified herself as a journalist during the raid, yet she was met with physical assault and threats by the security officers. Her journalistic equipment was confiscated, and she was detained alongside 95 forex traders. She was taken to the Anti-Violence Crime Unit in Guzape, Abuja, only to be released eight hours later, following significant outcry from her employer and various press freedom advocacy groups.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and The Whistler have urgently called upon the National Assembly and the president to take immediate action to reconstitute the governing board of the police service commission. This action is seen as vital to instilling discipline and professionalism within the Nigerian police force, which has been marred by a concerning pattern of indiscipline, unprofessional conduct, and gross misconduct, particularly since the appointment of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police.

On the same day of Aniagolu's unlawful detention, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Nigerian authorities to comply with a federal high court ruling mandating the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for attacking journalists in Nigeria. Despite court orders aimed at protecting journalists and upholding press freedom, Nigerian authorities have consistently demonstrated a disregard for such rulings, as evidenced by their failure to provide compensation to families of slain journalists and journalists mistreated in detention.

Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the actions of the Nigerian Police Force and is deeply concerned over the disregard for press freedom and the physical assault inflicted upon Kasarachi Aniagolu. Police must issue an unreserved apology. We call for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and demand that those responsible for the unlawful detention and assault be held accountable under the law.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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