The Media Blog: That’s how the Nigerian Army packed 10 journalists from one media house

The Nigerian Army now suddenly has an interest in the media.

Before you start thinking it’s good stuff, let’s put it to you like this:

The Nigerian Army is crossing lines and attempting to silence the Nigerian media.

First, it was Ahmad Salkida, the journalist who has exclusive access to Boko Haram. He got arrested by the military few weeks ago, though the man himself insists he only got “picked up” for questioning.

Then, the military boss went on to demand permission from journalists who want to report on the humanitarian crisis in the North East. Seriously, in a civilian administration? The media has to ask for go-ahead to cover stories that closely affect citizens? What have we not seen in this country?

Apparently, we haven’t seen everything. The Nigerian Army has now changed gear to overdrive as it arrested not one or two, but 10 journalists from the same media house (Watchdog News) and has kept them in custody for days now without access to a lawyer. Its reason: “The journalists are in possession of quite a number of incriminating materials”. Evidence of which is yet to be presented.

These are men who have left their homes to painstakingly cover the forthcoming Edo elections, just as it should be in every sane society. But it’s now looking like sanity and commonsense has eluded us in this country, starting from our military.

These army guys need to get their acts together or they will keep drawing negative attention by picking on the media, and trust that the international community is lurking somewhere watching their every move.

Quick reminder for the Nigerian Army though, in case you missed the news, the Abubakar Shekau that you people have killed four times and fatally wounded once is back making videos and having fun; just in case you are feeling idle.

 

PS: See anything worth talking about on the ins and outs of the media business in Nigeria on TV, radio, print and online (could be news, tweets, photos, op-eds etc) send us a mail on [email protected] titled TMB. Let’s share the insight together!

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