Journalism Pakistan
Pakistan: Journalists face new restrictions on recording in National AssemblyPakistan: Journalist Moeed Pirzada criticizes Asma Shirazi's comments on UK deportationsPakistan: Geo News faces 'technical glitch' on Trump-Imran Khan mentionOpportunities: James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalistsPakistan: Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abductionPakistan: The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies rolePakistan: Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalistsWorld: Mexican journalist Paty Bunbury shot deadOpportunities: Tarbell grants boost AI journalism with awards up to $15,000World: Financial laws misused to intimidate journalists globally, UNESCO study revealsPakistan: Journalist urges New York Times to reevaluate partnership with The NationPakistan: Media outlets rectify error on Middle Temple bencher titlePakistan: Talat Hussain under fire for controversial profiling of US legislators

Nigerian journalist Alex Ogbu dies at protest

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published February 06, 2020

Join our WhatsApp channel

Nigerian journalist Alex Ogbu dies at protest

ABUJA—Nigerian authorities should conduct a credible and transparent investigation into the death of journalist Alex Ogbu, publicize the results of his autopsy, and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said.

On January 21, Ogbu, a reporter and editor with the local independent outlet Regent Africa Times, died from head injuries sustained at a protest in Abuja, the capital, held by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria religious organization, according to Regent Africa Times publisher Shola Akingboye and Francisca Ogbu, the journalist’s wife, who both spoke to CPJ over messaging app and phone calls.

Police told Francisca Ogbu that her husband died after he slipped and hit his head on a rock, she told CPJ.

However, the local privately owned news website Sahara Reporters published a report on January 23 saying that police had shot and killed Ogbu. The author of that report, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, told CPJ they arrived at the protest just after Ogbu’s death and spoke with witnesses who said that police opened fire at protesters and a bullet hit Ogbu in the head. The witnesses said that Ogbu died at the scene, the Sahara Reporters author told CPJ.

When contacted by CPJ over the phone, Anjuguri Manzah, a spokesperson for the Nigerian police, declined to comment on how Ogbu died and whether police opened fire at the protest, but said police were investigating.

Emanuel Ogbeche, chair of the Abuja branch of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, a local trade group, told CPJ that an autopsy had been conducted but the results had not been made public.

"Nigerian authorities should prioritize the transparency of their investigation into the death of journalist Alex Ogbu, determine exactly how he was killed, and share that information with the public," said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, from New York. "Nigerians are too often denied the full truth about how journalists die in their country."

Yesterday, police told Femi Falana, a lawyer representing Ogbu’s estate, that his team should submit a formal request for the autopsy report, according to Marshal Abubakar, a lawyer from Falana’s chamber, who spoke to CPJ via phone.

CPJ could not determine whether Falana’s team submitted the request. Ogbeche told CPJ that no autopsy results had been released.

Akingboye told CPJ that he had not explicitly directed Ogbu to cover the protest, but having worked closely with Ogbu, believed that the journalist would not have passed by a protest and failed to report on it. A member of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Abdullahi Musa, told CPJ in a phone call that Ogbu was not a member of their movement, and was known as a journalist who covered their protests.

Francisca Ogbu told CPJ she had seen her husband earlier that day and believed he was on his way to the paper’s office when he died.

Police took possession of the journalist’s phone after he was killed, and refused to return it to his wife, she told CPJ.—A CPJ News Alert/Photo: Reuters


 

Journalists face new restrictions on recording in National Assembly

Journalists face new restrictions on recording in National Assembly

 November 08, 2024:  The National Assembly of Pakistan has banned all video recording within Parliament House, citing privacy concerns raised by lawmakers over journalists’ interviews being posted on social media without consent. Violators may face confiscation of devices and restricted access.

Journalist Moeed Pirzada criticizes Asma Shirazi's comments on UK deportations

Journalist Moeed Pirzada criticizes Asma Shirazi's comments on UK deportations

 November 08, 2024:  Pakistani journalist Moeed Pirzada, living in exile, criticizes TV anchor Asma Shirazi for enthusiastically supporting the deportation of Pakistanis in the UK who protested against former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, accusing her of disregarding democracy and free speech.

Geo News faces 'technical glitch' on Trump-Imran Khan mention

Geo News faces 'technical glitch' on Trump-Imran Khan mention

 November 06, 2024:  Geo News' coverage of the US elections took an unusual turn when the mention of Imran Khan was silenced on air. A "technical fault" muted Donald Trump’s remarks as he reportedly discussed the former Pakistani PM.

Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abduction

Dare to investigate? Asad Ali Toor confronts investigative journalists on Panjutha's abduction

 November 04, 2024:  Journalist Asad Ali Toor has challenged Pakistan's investigative journalists, calling them "touts of the establishment," to cover the recent kidnapping of Imran Khan's lawyer, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who was found beaten and tortured. In a widely circulated video, Toor questioned their integrity and called for unbiased investigation into the case.

The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies role

The Nation scrubs controversial article on US lawmakers after editor denies role

 November 04, 2024:  The Nation has removed a story on US Congress members supporting Imran Khan's release after editor Salman Masood denied involvement. The story sparked a debate over editorial oversight and accusations of conspiratorial narratives.

Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalists

Dawn calls for action to end impunity against journalists

 November 02, 2024:  On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan’s Daily Dawn urges the state to take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure accountability, citing threats in Gaza, Pakistan, and beyond where media professionals face unprecedented risks.

Journalist urges New York Times to reevaluate partnership with The Nation

Journalist urges New York Times to reevaluate partnership with The Nation

 October 28, 2024:  A former reporter of The Nation appeals to New York Times Chairman A.G. Sulzberger, urging reconsideration of their publishing partnership over alleged unpaid salaries at the Pakistani newspaper.

Media outlets rectify error on Middle Temple bencher title

Media outlets rectify error on Middle Temple bencher title

 October 28, 2024:  Correction issued on reports that Justice Qazi Faez Isa was the first Pakistani bencher at the Middle Temple. Lawyer Abuzar Niazi clarifies that Justice Ayesha Malik holds the honor.

Newsroom
James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalists

James B. Steele Fellowship offers full support for aspiring business journalists

 November 04, 2024 The James B. Steele Fellowship in Investigative Business Journalism offers aspiring journalists comprehensive training and a master's degree from the Cronkite School to develop skills in holding corporations accountable and delivering essential news to the public.

Vietnamese blogger handed 12-year prison sentence for anti-state propaganda

Vietnamese blogger handed 12-year prison sentence for anti-state propaganda

 November 01, 2024 Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.

Mexican journalist Paty Bunbury shot dead

Mexican journalist Paty Bunbury shot dead

 November 01, 2024 The tragic killing of journalist Patricia Ramírez Gonzalez marks the second journalist murdered within 24 hours in Colima, Mexico, spotlighting urgent concerns over press safety in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.

Tarbell grants boost AI journalism with awards up to $15,000

Tarbell grants boost AI journalism with awards up to $15,000

 October 31, 2024 Tarbell Grants offer awards of $1,000 to $15,000 for journalists covering artificial intelligence. These grants support investigative and explanatory stories on AI’s impacts, company practices, and policy lobbying efforts. Apply now to make a difference in AI accountability.

Financial laws misused to intimidate journalists globally, UNESCO study reveals

Financial laws misused to intimidate journalists globally, UNESCO study reveals

 October 28, 2024 UNESCO's latest report highlights the misuse of financial laws to silence journalists, with findings showing a sharp rise in financial crime allegations against journalists globally. This growing trend poses serious threats to press freedom and media independence.