The Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ) has strongly condemned the detention and ongoing trial of four Nigerian journalists, Rowland Olonishuwa, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, and Seun Odunlami, who are currently held at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility in Lagos.
The journalists face charges of alleged libel against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), following a petition filed by Segun Agbaje, CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).
Speaking at a press briefing in Ilorin, the Chairman of GDJ, Mr. Opeyemi Daniel Adeoti, expressed disappointment over the treatment of the detained journalists, stating that “journalism is not a criminal offense.” He criticized GTB’s actions, describing them as a misuse of legal mechanisms to suppress freedom of expression and intimidate journalists.
The GDJ, which represents a union of professional journalists transitioning into digital media, also announced its support for the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) Ogun State Council’s directive to its members to close accounts with GTB.
Mr. Adeoti revealed plans to escalate the directive into a nationwide boycott of the bank, with the Guild facilitating account transitions for its 2,700 members across the country.
“We intend to communicate with all our members today to encourage them to follow this course of action,” Adeoti said.
The case, which has faced multiple adjournments, is now scheduled for hearing on December 10 and 12. Adeoti criticized the slow judicial process and accused GTB of exploiting provisions of the Cybercrime Amendment Act to stifle press freedom.
The GDJ further expressed disappointment with the muted response from the NUJ national secretariat in Abuja, calling for more robust advocacy from stakeholders, including the National Assembly, Nigerian Guild of Editors, human rights activists, and non-governmental organizations.
Adeoti urged the National Assembly to amend the Cybercrime Act, describing its provisions as “draconian” and calling for a repeal of sections that criminalize journalistic expression.
The Guild extended gratitude to the legal team and organizations working for the release of the journalists, particularly acknowledging the contributions of senior legal practitioners like Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaiye (SAN), Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), and others.
Adeoti concluded by calling on media houses nationwide to ensure comprehensive coverage of the trial proceedings to amplify awareness about the plight of the detained journalists.
The GDJ’s call to action highlights growing concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, as stakeholders intensify efforts to secure justice for the detained journalists and safeguard media rights.
