Police Detain Niger Journalist Ahmed Isah Over Alleged Cyberbullying, Defamation

Police in Niger State have detained a journalist, Ahmed Isah Sakpe, popularly known as Ahmed Lee, over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation involving a government official.

Mr Sakpe, who works with Prestige FM, a Minna-based radio station, is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Niger State Police Command.

His arrest followed a petition reportedly filed by Mohammed Gimba, a protocol aide to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago. The petition allegedly accused the journalist of publishing defamatory and false content on the Crusader Radio Facebook platform, which he manages.

According to police authorities, the contentious publication was a press statement purportedly issued by a youth group addressing the political situation in the Niger South Senatorial District.

The spokesperson of the command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest, stating that the journalist was invited by the police on February 16, 2025, before being detained.

“On February 16, 2025, the accused was invited and arrested based on a complaint received from one Dabban bordering on alleged falsehood, defamation of character and cyberbullying.

The complaint is being investigated and the case will soon be charged to court,” Mr Abiodun said.

He added that investigations are ongoing and that Mr Sakpe would be arraigned upon the conclusion of preliminary inquiries.

The development has sparked renewed debate over press freedom and the treatment of journalists in the state. In December, the Nigeria chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) listed Governor Bago in its “Book of Infamy,” citing alleged infractions against media practitioners.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Mr Sakpe nor his legal representatives had issued a public statement regarding the allegations. Media stakeholders are closely monitoring the case as it unfolds.