SERAP To Lai Mohammed: We’ll Sue You If Detained Journalist Is Not Released

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to take legal action against the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, over the continued detention of Nigerian journalist, Rotimi Jolayemi.

Jolayemi was said to have been arrested and detained by the security officials after criticizing Mohammed.

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SERAP also claimed that the journalist’s wife, Dorcas, had been maltreated by security agents.

The rights group spoke in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

“We’ll pursue appropriate legal action if Mr Jolayemi is not immediately released. Keeping critics locked up is illegal and unconstitutional.

“Nigeria cannot claim to respect the rule of law when politicians continue to target critics and journalists for exercising their rights.

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“Jolayemi’s arrest is worrying but shows the increasing attacks, threats, and intimidation of journalists and independent media in Nigeria.

“Attacks on journalists will continue to have a chilling effect on the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and other rights.

“Nigerian officials should stop using the Cybercrime Act to stifle freedom of expression in the country.

“The fact that some forms of expression are considered to be insulting to a public figure is not sufficient to justify penalties,” said SERAP.

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