Nigerian journalist Friday James Alefia, publisher of the Naija News Today website operated by Asiwaju Media Company, was arrested on September 23 at his home in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Following his detention, authorities transferred him to a facility in Abuja’s Gudu district. According to a source familiar with the case, who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, security officers also seized Alefia’s phone and laptop during the operation.
On October 8, prosecutors filed five cybercrime charges against Alefia and Asiwaju Media Company, accusing them of publishing “false” information on their website and across social media platforms, including Facebook. The charges were brought under Sections 24 and 27 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, according to a copy of the indictment reviewed by CPJ and statements from Alefia’s lawyer, Israel Opah Abida. The indictment cited headlines from four investigative stories alleging that a lawmaker was involved in intimidation, extortion, electoral fraud, and land grabbing.
Aleafia appeared in court on November 12 and pleaded not guilty, according to multiple press reports. The court ordered that he remain in custody at Kuje Prison, near Abuja, until his next hearing scheduled for January 27, 2026. On November 24, prosecutors challenged a bail request, resulting in another postponement until November 27, Alefia’s lawyer told CPJ. The court fined the prosecution 50,000 naira (US$34) for delaying proceedings.
CPJ has previously documented at least 25 journalists prosecuted under the Cybercrimes Act before its reform in February 2024. Since then, Alefia has become the sixth journalist charged under the amended law, which authorities continue to use as a tool to intimidate and pressure the press, even in cases where no formal charges are filed.
At Free Press Alliance, we strongly condemn the ongoing legal harassment and criminalization of journalist Friday James Alefia. Using cybercrime legislation to target reporters for publishing information of public interest undermines press freedom, transparency, and democratic accountability. We call on Nigerian authorities to drop all charges immediately and guarantee that journalists in Nigeria can work safely and without fear of retaliation.