UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said that 85 per cent of crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished, describing the situation as an unacceptable level of impunity.

Guterres stated this in his message on Sunday to mark World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3 to highlight the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists globally.

He said press freedom remained a key pillar of democracy, noting that the media served as a public watchdog in society.

Guterres recalled that the 1991 Windhoek Declaration strongly emphasised media freedom, which led the United Nations to dedicate the day to defending and strengthening press freedom worldwide.

The UN chief warned that economic pressures, emerging technologies and deliberate information manipulation were placing press freedom under unprecedented strain.

“When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root. When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens. And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve.

“All freedom depends on press freedom. Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development, and no peace,” he said.

Guterres also called for stronger protection of journalists and efforts to ensure a world where truth and those who reported it were safe.

He said journalists often became the first casualties in conflict, as they risked their lives to report events.

“People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty. But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth, not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.

“Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment, and even death,” he said.

Guterres further noted a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed in recent years, often deliberately targeted in conflict zones.

NAN

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The Nigeria Police Force has forwarded the case file on the shooting of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.

This followed the confirmation of the dismissal of officers implicated in the incident by the Police Service Commission.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, stating that the development marked a critical step toward ensuring justice in the case.

“The case file has been formally forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution. The Force will cooperate fully with the AGF’s office to ensure that this matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

He said the Police Service Commission had reviewed and ratified the recommendation for the dismissal of ASP Nuhu and three other officers found culpable in the unlawful killing, noting that their dismissal takes immediate effect.

Placid said, “Following the conclusion of investigations, ASP Nuhu and three other members of his team have been arrested and are currently in custody.

Internal disciplinary procedures have been concluded against all officers found culpable.

“The Force wishes to state clearly and without ambiguity that all indicted officers have been recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force. The Police Service Commission has reviewed and ratified this recommendation. Their dismissal is therefore confirmed and takes immediate effect.”

The police spokesperson explained that the decision followed findings from an investigation launched after the April 26 incident, which established that the actions of the officers amounted to professional misconduct, abuse of office, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

According to him, the incident occurred after the deceased received a parcel from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which he attempted to waybill to Sapele.

He said the parcel was found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition, prompting a citizen’s arrest before police intervention.

Placid explained that upon arrival, ASP Nuhu, who led the responding team, shot the already apprehended and unarmed suspect, contrary to established rules of engagement.

“The Force wishes to be unequivocal: no criminal suspicion, however grave, justifies extrajudicial action. Every suspect is entitled to due process under the law,” Placid said.

He confirmed that the officers involved had been arrested and were currently in custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects, including the driver who delivered the parcel and two vigilante members linked to the incident.

Reiterating the Force’s commitment to accountability, Placid assured the public and the victim’s family that justice would be pursued.

“The Nigeria Police Force does not shield officers who violate the law. No rank or position will place any officer above accountability,” he said.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations as the legal process unfolds.

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