Prominent socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu has voiced her concerns regarding the recent detention of investigative journalists in Nigeria.
Her remarks come in response to the arrest of @PIDOMNIGERIA, an investigative journalist and whistleblower apprehended by the Nigeria Police Force. Yesufu urged President Bola Tinubu to clarify what secrets he may be concealing from the Nigerian public.
According to reports, the whistleblower, known for exposing and leaking critical documents from governmental and private sectors, was taken into custody in Rivers State on August 5. The police confirmed the arrest on August 24, sparking widespread outrage, especially on social media, with many Nigerians demanding his immediate release.
In a video shared on her official X account on Monday, Yesufu expressed her disbelief at the treatment of journalists, stating, “Why is a journalist being arrested and subjected to worse dehumanization than a terrorist?”
She further queried, “When did investigative journalism become a criminal offence? When did it become a crime to expose governmental misconduct?”
Yesufu argued that the real crime lies within the actions of those in power. She suggested that the arrest of @PIDOMNIGERIA and the intimidation of investigative reporters indicate that Tinubu is fully aware of the misconduct occurring in his administration.
She challenged the President, asking, “What are you hiding, Mr. Tinubu? Why are you upset that journalists are shedding light on these wrongdoings? Shouldn’t your focus be on rectifying these issues and providing the citizens with effective governance”.
Her questions add to rising tensions against Tinubu’s government, with the government having just experienced a recent protest from citizens and criticism from opposition party leaders.
