Media Rights Agenda

Two weeks. Four northern states. Millions of users. And still no explanation. 📵

Since around September 14, people in Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto have struggled to load, view or upload content on TikTok, and many creators and small businesses depend on the platform for their livelihoods. The disruption isn't tied to one network, and access appears to work only through VPNs. Yet no regulator, operator or platform has publicly said what is going on.

Whether it's a technical fault or a deliberate restriction, Nigerians deserve answers. 12 civil society organisations, including Media Rights Agenda, Paradigm Initiative, CJID, Gatefield and Spaces for Change, have issued a joint statement calling for:

✅ A public investigation and disclosure of the cause
✅ Independent technical testing in the affected areas
✅ Transparency about any government directive
✅ Protection for users and journalists who document the disruption
✅ A national protocol for notifying the public of future internet disruptions

Unexplained silence is not an acceptable response when access to information and freedom of expression are at stake.

📖 Read the full statement: https://mediarightsagenda.org/joint-statement-on-the-unexplained-tiktok-disruption-in-northern-nigeria-by-civil-society-organisations/

Joint Statement on the Unexplained TikTok Disruption in Northern Nigeria by Civil Society Organisations - Media Rights Agenda The information available from our preliminary investigations indicates that millions of citizens whose livelihoods depend on the social media platforms have

🤔Do you know?

You have the right to seek information from public institutions and they must respond to your FOI request within 7 days, unless a valid extension is justified.

. Use them. Hold institutions accountable.

⏳5 DAYS TO 2026

Do you know you have a legally enforceable right to information? You do NOT need to give a reason to request information, records or documents from a public institution.

and use it. Share this post and help someone else learn!

What would you ask if you knew you had the right to know? From healthcare and education to roads, water and electricity, the FOI Act gives you a tool to seek information on issues that affect your daily life. Know. Ask. Get informed.

As we count down to on September 28, learn about your right to information and share it with others.

What would you ask a public institution if you knew you had a right to the information? The FOI Act gives Nigerians a tool to seek answers.

What really happened to journalist Pelumi Onifade?

Six years after Pelumi Onifade was reportedly shot and arrested while covering the protests, a postmortem report now confirms that he died from a fi***rm injury to the abdomen, resulting in massive internal bleeding.

But the bigger questions remain: Who fired the shot? Under what circumstances? And will those responsible ever be held accountable?

The coroner’s inquest into Pelumi’s death continues, with the next proceedings scheduled for October 6, 2026.

Read the full report by Media Rights Agenda and tell us what you think: Should cases involving the deaths of journalists receive greater urgency and public accountability?

👉 Read the full story: https://mediarightsagenda.org/postmortem-report-confirms-journalist-pelumi-onifade-died-from-gunshot-to-abdomen/

Postmortem Report Confirms Journalist Pelumi Onifade Died from Gunshot to Abdomen - Media Rights Agenda LAGOS, Thursday, September 17, 2026: Mr Pelumi Onifade, a young journalist with Gboah TV, who was reportedly shot and arrested while covering the

https://mediarightsagenda.org/mras-executive-director-recounts-transformational-impact-of-gsm-in-nigeria-describes-it-as-communications-revolution/

mediarightsagenda.org

https://mediarightsagenda.org/over-500-editors-expected-in-enugu-for-2026-all-nigeria-editors-conference-on-september-24-25/

Over 500 Editors Expected in Enugu for 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference on September 24 & 25 - Media Rights Agenda The 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) will take place at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Enugu on September 24 and 25, bringing together

Nearly six years after journalist Pelumi Onifade lost his life while covering the protests, the search for truth is reaching a critical stage.

A Coroner has now ordered key witnesses to testify, while the long-awaited autopsy report is nearing completion. Could this finally bring answers for Pelumi's family and accountability for those responsible?

Justice delayed should never become justice denied. Read what happened at the latest inquest and why this development matters for press freedom, accountability, and the rule of law.

👇 Read the full story:

Coroner Orders Witnesses to Testify in Pelumi Onifade Death Inquest as Autopsy Report Nears Completion - Media Rights Agenda Lagos, Wednesday, July 8, 2026: The Coroner Court investigating the death of Mr Pelumi Onifade, a young journalist with Gboah TV, who was reportedly shot and

Coroner Orders Witnesses To Testify In Pelumi Onifade Death Inquest As Autopsy Report Nears Completion

The Coroner Court investigating the death of Mr Pelumi Onifade, a young journalist with Gboah TV, who was reportedly shot and arrested while covering the protests on October 24, 2020, has directed that key witnesses begin testifying at the inquest, despite the continued delay in the release of the autopsy report, in a move aimed at ensuring progress in the proceedings.

See details in the comment section.