Nigerian Police Summon Journalist Over Espionage Allegations Amidst Cybercrime Concerns

Fejiro Oliver, publisher of SecretsReporters, has been summoned by the Nigeria Police's National Cybercrime Centre over allegations of espionage and leaking government information. The police claim he is involved in 'computer-related matters' due to his investigative journalism. Oliver asserts that the accusations are an attempt to criminalize journalistic practices and that he has faced intimidation, leading him to seek asylum in the United States. Additionally, another journalist from SecretsReporters, Stanley Ugagbe, is currently in custody on related charges. Oliver argues that the Cybercrimes Act is being misused to target journalists, and he demands the withdrawal of the police invitation. The situation has raised alarms among press freedom advocates regarding the increasing use of cybercrime laws against media professionals.

Key Points: • Fejiro Oliver is accused of espionage and leaking government information. • Another journalist, Stanley Ugagbe, is in custody for cyberstalking allegations. • Oliver claims the Cybercrimes Act is being misused to intimidate journalists.