WAMAC Condemns Arrest and Detention of Journalist in Niger State
Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) has condemned the arrest and detention of its Human Rights Journalist and investigative reporter, Ahmed Isa Sakpe, by the Niger State Police Command in Minna, Niger State. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation alleged that Sakpe was arrested on the directive of the protocol officer to Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, identified as Mr. B. Y. Daban, over allegations of cyberbullying which it described as unfounded. WAMAC said the arrest was linked to Sakpe’s investigative reporting activities and accused the Niger State Government of using security agencies to intimidate and silence journalists.
By Abubakar Mala Gajibo
Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC) has condemned the arrest and detention of its Human Rights Journalist and investigative reporter, Ahmed Isa Sakpe, by the Niger State Police Command in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation alleged that Sakpe was arrested on the directive of the protocol officer to Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, identified as Mr. B. Y. Daban, over allegations of cyberbullying which it described as unfounded.
WAMAC said the arrest was linked to Sakpe’s investigative reporting activities and accused the Niger State Government of using security agencies to intimidate and silence journalists.
The organisation described the incident as a deliberate attempt to suppress investigative journalism and stifle dissenting voices in the state, warning that such actions undermine democratic principles and press freedom.
It further recalled that the International Press Institute (IPI) had previously blacklisted the Niger State Government for similar actions against journalists, noting that the situation had not improved.
WAMAC called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sakpe and urged an end to all forms of harassment and intimidation of journalists in Niger State.
The group also appealed to Amnesty International, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, and other human rights and media advocacy organisations to intervene.
According to WAMAC, the people of Niger State have a right to be informed, and journalists must be allowed to perform their duties without fear of intimidation.
The statement was signed by Nonye Maria Aghaji, Public Affairs and New Media Specialist of WAMAC, and dated February 17, 2026.
