The Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN) has urged the police and Nigerian authorities to drop all the charges it described as “outrageous” preferred against Mr. Agba Jalingo, a journalist and publisher of Calabar-based news website, CrossRiverWatch and release him from detention immediately.

OPAN, in a statement on Monday by its President, Austyn Ogannah, also urged elected officials to stop using security officials and misapplying state laws to harass and intimidate journalists, activists and critics of government.

Recall that on August 30, the police in Cross River state charged Jalingo with disturbance of public peace and treason for his writings and social media posts about the Cross River Governor, Prof Benedict Ayade.

Police arrested Jalingo in Lagos on August 22, 2019. Authorities also charged him with two counts of terrorism, stemming from his alleged plans to work with Omoyele Sowore, “cult members,” and a local prince to “commit acts of terrorism” to remove Ayade from office, according to the charge sheet.

“To equate published criticism of government, policies and politicians with treason is absurd, draconian and outrageous.

“Authorities MUST release Agba Jalingo and other journalists, who are currently in state custody for speaking truth to power and demanding accountability from public office holders, immediately and unconditionally,” the OPAN statement said.