The police in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria’s south western neighbour, arrested Mr Mathew Ojoduma, founder of The Africa Views YouTube channel, in January 2025 while he was crossing the northern Benin border town of Porga into Burkina Faso. Mr. Ojoduma, whose channel documents cities across Africa, was detained on terrorism allegations after officers reportedly found him travelling with a camera, drone, and laptop.
According to reports, on February 13, 2025, authorities formally charged Ojoduma with membership in a terrorist organisation, and his case proceeded to a hearing on May 19. According to a judgment issued that same day by the Special Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET), the charges were upheld. Ojoduma’s lawyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fears of reprisal, confirmed the details of the proceedings.
The judgment stated that Ojoduma was “suspected of collaborating with terrorist groups”, a charge he denied, due to his “insistence” on travelling through Porga, “despite the prevailing security risks” in the area. The court referred the matter to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, as the case’s criminal nature exceeded its jurisdiction.
The lawyer said the court affirmed that in its analysis of Ojoduma’s computer, it showed he was a media specialist focusing on travel and the environment, with an interest in regional politics.
The Lagos State Nigerian Bar Association Secretary, Ayodeji Olabiwonnu, said Ojoduma’s family asked for support advocating on Ojoduma’s behalf, and the association wrote to Nigeria’s Attorney General, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission requesting action, but received no replies.
