PIDOM, 7 Nigerian Journalists, Celebrities Who Went Missing or Ran Away Due to FG Threat

According to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Barriers (BRF), Nigeria is ranked 123rd out of 180 countries, highlighting the perilous environment for the press and journalists.

The lack of justice is glaring, with perpetrators often remaining unpunished even when identified and apprehended. The state offers minimal protection, and the authorities frequently employ intimidation tactics, including threats and abductions.

In extreme cases, such harassment escalates to torture or assassination. The infamous case of journalist Dele Giwa, who was killed by a bomb in the 1980s, remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by the press.

In recent developments, the situation appears only to worsen. The arrest of members from the watchdog group PIDOM, known for their critical stance against government corruption, and the declaration of Hundeyij as wanted, exemplify the escalating risks for those who dare to challenge the status quo. 

Here are some journalists and media personalities who have either been declared missing or had to run for their lives outside the country.

David Hundeyin

As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of West Africa Weekly, David Hundeyin is a prominent figure in investigative journalism within Lagos, Nigeria. His work, characterized by meticulous research and uncompromising truthfulness, has garnered significant acclaim, particularly for shedding light on profound governmental misconduct. 

Hundeyin’s reports have unveiled a spectrum of high-level scandals, notably the Nigeria Air scam—a fraudulent enterprise masquerading as a national project and a clandestine military operation intended to invade neighboring Niger, which, if executed, could have precipitated severe instability between the two nations.

These revelatory pieces, however, placed Hundeyin squarely in the crosshairs of the Nigerian authorities. His consistent exposure to top-tier corruption and fraud earned him the status of a person of interest, compelling him to make the difficult decision to flee Nigeria to ensure his safety.

DJ Switch

DJ Switch, a well-known Nigerian artist, became a pivotal media figure on October 20, 2020, during the #ENDSARS protests at the Lekki tollgate. Known for her encouragement of public activism, she had urged her followers to protest against SARS, a police unit infamous for extrajudicial killings and abuses. 

On that critical day, as the Nigerian Army opened fire on peaceful protesters, DJ Switch was on-site, broadcasting the events live. Her footage, which captured the chaos and the collection of bullet casings, turned crucial, especially since the Nigerian Army and Lagos State government initially denied the shootings.

This act of bravery, however, made her a target. Facing severe threats, DJ Switch was compelled to flee Nigeria. She relocated to Canada, where she currently resides under protected status, continuing to advocate for justice and reform from afar.

Omoyele Sowore

Sowore, the founder of Sahara Reporters based in the US, has been pivotal in exposing high-level government corruption. His investigative work led to his arrest by the Department of State Service for organizing the #RevolutionNow protest on August 5. 

Charged with treasonable felony among other offenses, he was detained but released on December 24, 2019. The prolonged legal battle concluded in February 2024 when the case was dismissed, allowing him to return to the US after five years of restricted movement in Nigeria, finally reuniting with his family.

Isioma Daniel

Isioma Daniel, a Nigerian journalist, became a focal point of international controversy following a 2002 newspaper article in which her comment about the Islamic prophet Muhammad ignited the Miss World riots in Nigeria.

The severe backlash led to a fatwa being declared against her life, forcing her to flee from imminent threats posed by jihadists. In response to the dire circumstances, Isioma sought refuge in Europe, where her resettlement was facilitated by the Committee to Protect Journalists and Amnesty International, ensuring her safety from the life-threatening situation she faced in her home country.

Nnamdi Ibezim

Nnamdi Ibezim founded Reportera News, driven by the mission to restore integrity to the highly politicized and propaganda-driven Nigerian and African media landscapes in December 2021.

Launching ahead of Nigeria’s February 2023 elections, Reportera News aimed to offer independent and credible journalism. The platform gained traction for publishing unbiased polls and analyses on voter demographics, often contradicting narratives favorable to the ruling APC party, which made it particularly popular among young Nigerians seeking reliable news sources on social media.

However, the spotlight also brought danger. On August 6, 2023, following a report on the presidential election tribunal that went viral, Nigerian Police targeted the news outlet. Later on, Nnamdi was forced to flee Nigeria and is currently living in exile when his brother was abducted and held for 78 days without charges or trial, an act meant to intimidate Nnamdi and his team. 

Ohimai Amaize

Ohimai Amaize, a seasoned Nigerian journalist, served as the producer and anchor of “Kakaaki Social,” a popular program on Africa Independent Television (AIT) that highlighted social media trends impacting society.

His diverse career covered areas like anti-corruption, youth advocacy, and communications strategy. In June 2019, facing imminent arrest threats for treason related to his journalistic activities, Amaize fled Nigeria for the United States.

His departure came after his critical coverage of political issues, which drew the government’s ire. After a while, he was granted asylum in the United States in January 2020, recognizing the risks he faced back home.

Idris Abubakar

Idris Abubakar, known as Dadiyata, a critic of the federal and Kaduna state governments, was abducted from his home in Kaduna, North-West Nigeria on August 2, 2019. 

His outspoken critiques resonated widely, marking him as a significant figure in the realm of political commentary. Taken by unidentified men at his home’s entrance, his whereabouts and the identity of his abductors remain unknown to this day.