MRA records 86 attacks on journalists, citizens in 2025 free expression review

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has released its 2025 Annual Report on Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, documenting 86 incidents of attacks against journalists, media organisations and citizens, and warning of a worsening climate for free expression marked by widespread impunity. The 147-page report, titled The Reign of Impunity, was unveiled on Thursday and covers violations […]

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has released its 2025 Annual Report on Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, documenting 86 incidents of attacks against journalists, media organisations and citizens, and warning of a worsening climate for free expression marked by widespread impunity.

The 147-page report, titled The Reign of Impunity, was unveiled on Thursday and covers violations recorded across 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to MRA, none of the documented cases resulted in a successful investigation or prosecution, even where the incidents amounted to criminal offences.

The report identified arrests and detentions as the most common tools used to suppress media freedom, with 38 cases accounting for over 44 per cent of all incidents recorded. Physical assaults followed closely, with 21 cases of assault and battery, representing more than 24 per cent of the total.

MRA also documented two killings during the period under review — one involving a journalist killed in the line of duty, and another of a woman murdered over alleged blasphemy. Other serious violations included one case of kidnapping and the shutdown of a media outlet.

In terms of perpetrators, the Nigeria Police Force was named as the worst offender, responsible for 41 incidents, nearly 48 per cent of all recorded attacks. The Department of State Services (DSS) ranked second, accounting for about seven per cent of cases. Combined, the two agencies were responsible for more than half of the violations documented.

Geographically, Lagos State and the FCT recorded the highest number of incidents, with 16 and 14 cases, respectively.

The report highlighted emerging trends, including the continued “weaponisation” of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015 to target journalists and government critics, as well as the growing use of digital surveillance and spyware to monitor media practitioners.

In a preface, MRA Executive Director, Mr Edetaen Ojo, said the persistence of political, legal, economic and digital threats continued to undermine media freedom, warning that a culture of impunity emboldened perpetrators and encouraged self-censorship.

MRA urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt and transparent investigations into attacks on journalists, prohibit harassment by security agencies and establish a national framework for journalists’ safety in line with international standards.