Nigeria: Assassination Attempts Drive Journalist Karen James into Hiding
CFWIJ denounces the attacks on her life and urges swift government action
Location: Nigeria, Anambra
Date: August 10, 2023
Investigative journalist Karen James faced multiple assassination attempts following her exposé of a scandal within the Anambra Ministry of Education. Fearing for her life the journalist has gone into hiding. The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses unwavering support for Karen James and urges government officials in Anambra State to step in, take decisive action against those responsible, and prioritize the safety and protection of the journalist.
Within weeks of publishing a month-long inquiry into extensive corruption and incompetence within the education system of Anambra State, investigative journalist Karen James was confronted with alarming death threats and targeted with multiple assassination attempts.
She alleges that these attacks are orchestrated by nefarious individuals seeking to silence her for her determination to continue reporting. To ensure her safety, the journalist has gone into hiding.
James’ investigation shed light on the disturbing Blessed Wisdom Model School saga in Onitsha, which abruptly halted the 3rd term promotion examination and announced its immediate closure. As a result, hundreds of schoolchildren were unexpectedly deprived of education and left stranded on the streets of Onitsha.
The journalist's situation took a troubling twist when she voiced reservations about the credibility of the probe panel assembled to investigate the incident.
Reportedly, the Commissioner for Education ordered the immediate closure of the school, following a distressing incident in which a two-year-old student sustained serious bodily harm as a result of a flogging incident.
Following the school's closure, James submitted a series of petitions to the governor, contending that the closure was carried out without sufficient investigation and consideration, urging the governor to review the decision.
The reporter highlighted how the government's decision has negatively impacted over 600 children, who have been left in a state of uncertainty and disruption and that the closure of the school contradicts the mission of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who holds education in high regard.
The investigation has been perceived as a direct attack on the Anambra State Education Ministry, posing a threat to those with authority within the ministry.
The I-CSPJ strongly condemned the threats and assassination attempts, urging anyone who feels aggrieved by the journalist's reports to pursue legal recourse instead of resorting to extrajudicial means.
The Challenging Media Landscape in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the government plays a significant role in controlling the content, operations, and overall functioning of the media industry. This involves exerting pressure, harassing journalists and media entities, and even implementing censorship, which tends to escalate during election campaigns. Achieving a balanced approach when addressing political matters can also pose challenges.
In recent years, CFWIJ has been closely monitoring and has documented numerous incidents of violations including harassment and intimidation of journalists.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Karen James and strongly condemns the death threats and assassination attempts made against her. We call upon other media freedom groups, organizations focused on freedom of expression, and human rights bodies to join efforts in advocating for the safety of the journalist. We express concerns that such incidents will result in a deterioration of media freedom in Nigeria and undermine its democracy.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.