By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
The Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ) has condemned the ongoing trial of four Nigerian journalists—Rowland Olonishuwa, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, and Seun Odunlami—who are currently detained at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility in Lagos.
The journalists face libel charges following a petition by Segun Agbaje, CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), over an alleged defamatory publication about Guaranty Trust Bank.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin today, the GDJ Chairman, Mr. Opeyemi Daniel Adeoti, criticized GTCO’s actions, asserting that while journalists are not above the law, they should not be subjected to undue persecution.
He expressed solidarity with the detained journalists, calling on stakeholders, including the National Assembly and human rights groups, to advocate for their release and address what he described as the "draconian provisions" of the Cybercrime Act used against them.
Mr. Adeoti announced that the GDJ supports the Nigerian Union of Journalists' (NUJ) Ogun State Council's directive for members to close their accounts with GTBank.
He revealed that the GDJ is mobilizing its 2,700 members nationwide to expand the boycott, providing a list of alternative banking options to ease the transition.
The trial, adjourned until December 10 and 12, has drawn criticism for allegedly exploiting cybercrime laws to stifle press freedom.
Mr. Adeoti emphasized that journalism is not a crime and called for enhanced media coverage of the case.
He also expressed disappointment with the NUJ’s national leadership for its muted response, urging it to take a firmer stance.
He said, “While we acknowledge the leadership transition at the NUJ Secretariat, more empathy or even a public statement supporting our calls would have been appropriate.”
The GDJ extended gratitude to the National Guild of Investigative Journalists and legal practitioners, including senior advocates Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaiye and Mr. Olalekan Ojo, for their efforts to secure the journalists' release.
“We are deeply appreciative of their unwavering support in the face of these daunting tasks,” Adeoti said.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and demanded justice for its members.
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