By Khalid Idris Doya The African Journalists Against Genocide (AJAG) has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention o...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The African Journalists Against Genocide (AJAG) has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of Nasiru Hassan Yalwa, an independent correspondent with Iran Press, who was apprehended by police while covering a Maulud procession in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Sunday, AJAG described Nasiru’s arrest as an attack on press freedom, noting that he was performing his lawful duties as a journalist when he was detained by officers of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in the Federal Capital Territory.
“The following day, news emerged that Nasiru had been arrested and detained while doing the important work of journalism,” the statement read.
AJAG disclosed that, despite several efforts to secure his release — including a visit by his legal representative — the journalist remains in police custody without any formal charges or evidence of wrongdoing.
“His family has confirmed that, even after repeated requests, the police have failed to provide any explanation for his arrest,” the group added.
The pan-African coalition, which comprises senior journalists from over 30 African countries, demanded Nasiru’s immediate and unconditional release. It described the incident as a violation of fundamental human rights and a blatant attempt to intimidate the media.
“Arbitrary arrests and the mistreatment of journalists not only violate the law but also pose a grave threat to democracy,” AJAG warned.
The group further stated: “We condemn all forms of brutality against journalists, whose work is protected by the Nigerian Constitution. Those who attack the fourth estate of the realm must understand that they are weakening the very society they are meant to serve.”
AJAG concluded by reaffirming its stance: “Journalism is not a crime. Arresting and detaining journalists without charge is unlawful and unacceptable.”
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