The Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) is condemning the arrest and detention of its Human Rights Journalist and investigative reporter, Ahmed Sakpe, in Minna, Niger State, describing the development as an attack on press freedom and democratic principles. The organisation raises concerns over what it calls the misuse of security agencies to intimidate media practitioners.
Mediaplusng.com reports that WAMAC, in a statement issued on Tuesday, characterizes the arrest as brazen and outrageous. The group alleges that Sakpe is picked up by operatives of the Niger State Police Command on the orders of a protocol officer attached to Governor Umaru Bago, identified as Mohammed Daban.
According to the organisation, the journalist is arrested over allegations of cyberbullying—claims WAMAC describes as trumped-up charges intended to punish him for carrying out his professional responsibilities. The centre insists that investigative journalism and human rights reporting should not attract intimidation or reprisals.
WAMAC further expresses concern over what it terms a growing pattern of harassment and pressure against media practitioners in Niger State. Mediaplusng.com gathers that the group accuses certain government officials of allegedly deploying state institutions to silence critical voices and restrict freedom of expression.
In its statement, the organisation says the actions attributed to the protocol officer and the police amount to a gross abuse of power and a deliberate attempt to muzzle the voice of the people. It argues that democratic governance thrives when journalists are able to operate freely without fear of arrest or detention.
Mediaplusng.com also reports that WAMAC calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Sakpe, urging authorities to respect the constitutional rights of journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom, accountability, and the rule of law. The group emphasizes that safeguarding media independence is essential to sustaining democratic institutions.
However, the Niger State Police Command provides a different account of the events. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, states that the journalist is invited following a formal complaint rather than arbitrarily arrested. According to the police, due process is followed in line with existing legal procedures.
In a statement, the police spokesperson explains that on February 16, 2026, Ahmed Sakpe is invited based on a petition submitted by one Daban, alleging falsehood, defamation of character, and cyberbullying. The police say the complaint is currently under investigation and that the invitation is part of efforts to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations.
The police further clarify that Sakpe is subsequently granted bail and released later the same day. Authorities maintain that the matter remains under investigation and assure the public that all actions are taken within the framework of the law.
The development has sparked renewed debate over press freedom, cybercrime laws, and the balance between protecting reputations and safeguarding freedom of expression in Nigeria. Media rights advocates argue that while complaints must be investigated, law enforcement agencies must exercise caution to avoid actions that could be perceived as intimidation.
As the situation continues to generate reactions from civil society groups and media stakeholders, observers say the outcome of the investigation may have broader implications for journalist protection, accountability, and the enforcement of cyber-related offences in Nigeria.
