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September 10, 2025 – Nigeria –
Nasir Hassan Yelwa, a journalist and member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was arrested by police officers on Tuesday while covering a peaceful religious procession in Abuja. The event was organized by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, alongside other Muslim worshippers to mark the Maulid, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
According to eyewitnesses, Yelwa had been formally invited to document the Maulid procession. Around 2 p.m. in the Apo area of the capital, police intercepted him and took him into custody. He was then detained at the Abattoir facility, the former office of Nigeria’s disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
This arrest comes amidst mounting concern over recent police actions targeting journalists in Nigeria. In a related event, Fisayo Soyombo, founder and editor-in-chief of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was summoned by the Ekiti State Police Command. Authorities are reportedly investigating him on allegations including conspiracy, criminal defamation, cyberbullying, and blackmail. Another FIJ reporter, Sodeeq Atanda, had been detained earlier for around 11 hours in relation to alleged “misrepresentation” tied to reports involving the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
The arrest of Yelwa raises serious questions about freedom of the press, especially around coverage of religious gatherings and peaceful assembly. Press freedom advocates are concerned that journalists are increasingly being treated as suspects simply for carrying out their reporting duties.
At this time, there is no official statement from the police confirming the specific charges against Yelwa. Civil society groups and media organisations are calling for his immediate release and a halt to arbitrary detentions of journalists doing legitimate, peaceful reporting.
References –
Police Arrest journalist In Abuja During Shiite Maulid Procession
