"We are seriously concerned that Mr Turkur was arrested because of his newspaper¹s reporting of a story involving a state governor," the organisations, which represent the world's press, said in a letter to Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua. "Mr Tukur has been arrested three times in the past year and is now reportedly in hiding."
Tukur, editor-in-chief and publisher of the weekly Desert Herald, was arrested on defamation charges and released on bail 9 February. Police prosecutors attempted to re-arrest him under new unspecified charges allegedly arising in a neighbouring state, only for lawyers to intervene.
Nigerian law prevents the transfer of a case between states.
WAN-IFRA called on President Yar'Adua to to ensure that the charges against Tukur are immediately dropped and that all intimidation of journalists is halted. WAN-IFRA also urged the president to ensure that "Nigeria fully decriminalises libel and replaces current legislation with a civil remedy of reasonable and appropriate damages."
