Nigerian Military Releases Detained Al-Jazeera Journalists

By Chris Nomjov

The Nigerian Army has ordered the release of two Aljazeera journalists who have been detained in Maiduguri, Borno for over a week after being accused of “loitering” around areas of military operations. Perhaps, the sudden decision was motivated by the embarrassment their arrest threatened the soaring good image of the country, in the international sphere.

Ahmed Idris and Ali Mustapha were released in the early hours of Saturday after spending ten days in detention in their hotel room.

It would be recalled that the Military had detained two Al Jazeera journalists in the northeast city of Maiduguri since Tuesday, March 24th, few days ahead of the commencement of the general elections.

Major Gen. Chris Olukolade spokesperson for the Defense headquarters had stated that, the two reporters were “restrained to their hotel” in the Borno state capital after they had been detained for “loitering” in areas where military operations against Boko Haram were under way.

They had also been observed in Yobe state, it said, adding it had previously cautioned journalists against unauthorized movements in areas with military operations.

Al Jazeera said the journalists, Ahmed Idris and Ali Mustafa, were being kept in their hotel rooms until further notice. Their camera equipment has been confiscated.

It added that the two journalists had been accredited by the electoral authorities with “clearance to report from anywhere”.

Northeastern Nigeria was effectively declared off limits to journalists in 2013 after the government imposed emergency rule in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno, the three states worst affected by Islamist jihadis Boko Haram. Maiduguri is the capital of Borno state, the heartland of the insurgency.

Also, both journalists, went ahead to sue the Nigerian Army challenging their detention, which was condemned by Nigerian and international civic groups.

The were represented by lawyer and human rights activists, Femi Falana, who sought a declaration that the arrest and detention by the military was illegal and unconstitutional, thereby violating their right to personal liberty guaranteed by Section 34, 35 and 41 of the constitution and Article 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and peoples’ Right Act.

He also sought an order directing the Nigerian military and the army chief, Kenneth Minimah, to release the journalists from illegal military custody immediately.

It is not clear if their decision to approach the court was responsible for their release.