Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Nigerian media to intensify its watchdog role by demanding the reopening of high-profile, unresolved murder cases that are currently fading from public view.
Speaking on Saturday at an interactive session in Ikeja, Lagos, Falana argued that the press must sustain pressure on state authorities to ensure accountability for victims of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses. The event, themed “The Role of Media in Promoting People’s Rights, Accountability and Access to Justice in the Context of Growing Insecurity in Nigeria,” was organised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
Falana highlighted several cold cases that he believes require urgent media follow-up to prevent them from being permanently abandoned. Among these are the 2018 Offa bank robbery in Kwara State, the killing of Kudirat Abiola, and the 2021 death of 12-year-old Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni.
The senior lawyer also drew specific attention to the August 2025 killing of six traders at the Owode Onirin Market in Lagos. He noted that while four police officers were reportedly remanded in March 2026 for the incident, the media must ensure the judicial process reaches a definitive conclusion.
“The media must not allow such cases to fade from public attention,” Falana said during the session. He maintained that consistent reporting is essential for justice, particularly in cases involving security agencies.
Beyond case-specific advocacy, Falana criticised the media’s underutilisation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. He suggested that journalists are missing opportunities to uncover critical evidence that could aid in prosecuting human rights violators.
He further warned media organizations against prioritising “commercial gains” over professional ethics. He specifically flagged the use of wraparound advertisements as a potential threat to editorial independence, urging journalists to resist external pressures that weaken their ability to hold the government accountable.
“The media must not sacrifice truth and objectivity on the altar of commercial gains,” he stated, emphasising that the 1999 Constitution places a responsibility on the press to defend the rights of citizens and ensure good governance.
Falana concluded by urging closer collaboration between civil society groups and the media. He reminded practitioners that regional human rights mechanisms remain available for Nigerians seeking justice when national institutions fail to provide timely redress.