The Niger State Police Command has taken journalist Ahmed Isah Sakpe, widely known as Ahmed Lee, into custody over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation tied to a Facebook post, a move that is raising questions about press freedom in the region.
Mr. Sakpe, a reporter with Prestige FM in Minna and manager of the Crusader Radio Facebook platform, was arrested and is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
The detention followed a complaint by Mohammed Gimba, a protocol aide to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, who filed a petition alleging the social media statement contained falsehoods and defamatory content.
Police say the controversy stems from a press statement published on the Crusader Radio Facebook page, which was said to comment on a political dispute in the Niger South Senatorial District. Officers invited Mr. Sakpe earlier this week before detaining him pending further investigation and eventual court action.
The Niger State Police spokesperson confirmed the ongoing probe, stating charges involve alleged falsehood, cyberbullying and defamation of character, and that the case will be forwarded to court when preliminary inquiries are complete.
Civil society groups and media advocates have expressed concern that the detention reflects growing use of cybercrime and defamation laws against journalists reporting on political issues, especially given recent actions against media houses in the state.
In December, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria included Governor Bago in its “Book of Infamy” citing alleged violations of press freedom, including the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM.
Observers say the case highlights persistent tensions over digital expression and journalistic independence in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.
