Journalist Ahmed Lee detained by Niger State Police over alleged cyberbullying and defamation involving a government official

Journalist Ahmed Isah Sakpe, popularly known as Ahmed Lee, has been detained by the Niger State Police Command over alleged cyberbullying and defamation against a state government official.

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Sakpe, a reporter with Prestige FM in Minna, is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The arrest followed a complaint by Mohammed Gimba, a protocol aide to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, concerning a press statement published on the Crusader Radio Facebook platform, which Sakpe manages.

The statement reportedly addressed a political crisis in the Niger South Senatorial District.

According to SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Sakpe was invited on Monday and arrested following allegations of falsehood, defamation of character, and cyberbullying.

The case is under investigation and Sakpe will be charged to court.

In December, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria listed Governor Bago in its ‘Book of Infamy’ over alleged violations of press freedom, citing his order to close Badeggi 90.1 FM in August.

IPI President Musikilu Mojeed described the closure as “undemocratic, unconstitutional and unacceptable,” noting that interventions by IPI and the Minister of Information had been unsuccessful.

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The arrest has reignited discussions about press freedom and accountability in Niger State.