"Journalist's Arrest Sparks Outcry: AJAG Demands Release"

By Khalid Idris Doya

FCT, Abuja- Nigeria - September 14, 2025 (Series News Online)

A rights group, African Journalists Against Genocide (AJAG), has expressed outrage over the detention of Nasiru Hassan Yalwa, a journalist with Iran Press, by the Nigerian Police Force. Yalwa was arrested on Wednesday while covering the Maulud procession in Abuja.

AJAG, in a statement on Sunday, demanded Yalwa's immediate release, describing his arrest as a blatant attack on press freedom. The group noted that the journalist's detention without charge or evidence of wrongdoing is a gross violation of his rights.

According to AJAG, despite efforts by Yalwa's lawyer to secure his release, the police have refused to provide any justification for his arrest. "The police have not given any details about the reasons for his arrest, even when his family demanded an explanation," the statement read.

The pan-African coalition of senior journalists from over 30 countries condemned the arbitrary arrest and mistreatment of journalists, saying it undermines democracy. "We strongly condemn all forms of brutality against journalists, whose work is protected by the Nigerian Constitution," AJAG stated.

The group emphasized that journalism is not a crime and that detaining journalists without charge is unlawful. AJAG called on authorities to respect press freedom and allow journalists to carry out their work without fear of harassment or detention.

AJAG's demand for Yalwa's release highlights the need for authorities to protect journalists' rights and ensure that they can perform their duties without intimidation or persecution.