Nigerian Journalist Released from Prison Following IPI Intervention
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on May 11, 2024
Ibraheem Mohammed, a Nigerian journalist, has been freed from incarceration after the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) intervened on his behalf.
In a statement issued by Tobi Soniyi, IPI’s Legal Adviser and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, it was revealed that Mohammed regained his freedom on Friday following a bail grant by the Nasarawa High Court in Doma. He had been detained for 10 days.
Mohammed’s arrest by the Nigeria Police on May 1 stemmed from allegations of publishing false information, specifically claiming that N40 million was stolen from Governor Abdullahi Sule’s bedroom. The contentious article was published on February 22, 2024, by First News, an online newspaper based in Lagos.
Charged with violating the Cybercrime Act, Mohammed was remanded in custody at the Medium Security Custodian Centre in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, pending trial. However, he has been released on bail until May 13, when the police are expected to withdraw the charges against him and halt the trial.
Soniyi recounted that a delegation from IPI Nigeria, led by President Musikilu Mojeed, engaged with key officials of the Nasarawa State Government, including Governor Sule, to secure Mohammed’s release. The delegation also visited Mohammed in prison during their efforts.
Meanwhile, First News has issued an apology to Governor Sule, acknowledging the lack of truth in the published story and attributing it to the reporter’s personal agenda against the governor.
In response to the incident, IPI Nigeria emphasized the importance of journalists adhering to professional ethics, refraining from disseminating false information, and maintaining high standards in their practice.
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Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
