On March 10, 2026, Ms Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, a lawyer, historian and journalist, raised concerns about possible intimidation after receiving a message implying that she could be arrested from Mr Lere Olayinka, spokesperson and Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following her report on water scarcity in Abuja.
In a video shared on social media, Giwa-Osagie displayed a message allegedly sent by Olayinka, which read: “If you are asked to come and substantiate your claims now, human rice and beans (referring to human rights activists) will start making noise.”
Reacting to the message, the journalist questioned whether it was meant to threaten or intimidate her because of her reporting.
“Is this a threat? Is this intimidation? Is this undue influence? I’m bringing this out to the public so people can decide,” she said.
Giwa-Osagie maintained that journalists have a constitutional duty to inform the public and hold the government accountable, citing provisions that guarantee freedom of expression and press freedom.
She added that if the Minister’s office disagrees with her report, it should respond publicly rather than through private messages directed at journalists.
