At a time when journalists across Nigeria increasingly face intimidation through Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), a groundbreaking training in Abuja is equipping reporters with the legal knowledge and tools needed to defend their rights and strengthen democratic accountability. This initiative—bringing together media professionals, legal experts, and civil society actors—signals a critical pushback against the misuse of litigation to silence public-interest reporting. As the nation grapples with rising threats to civic space, the workshop stands as both a shield and a catalyst: empowering journalists to navigate legal hurdles, resist censorship, and reaffirm the essential role of a free press in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. Augustine Aminu was there for Peoples Daily
In a media landscape where truth-telling increasingly demands courage, journalists from Kano and the Federal Capital Territory gathered in Abuja for a groundbreaking two-day capacity-building training on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Organized by Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) under the EU-funded eRIGHTS project, the training sought to equip reporters with tools to resist a growing threat: the weaponization of the legal system to silence public-interest journalism.
A Gathering to Strengthen the Frontline of Democracy
In her opening remarks, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Head of ASF France in Nigeria, welcomed journalists, legal experts, and civil society partners with a reminder of their indispensable role in society. “Journalists are the first line of defense for human rights and good governance,” she noted. They inform the public, confront power, and give voice to the voiceless—responsibilities that have increasingly placed them in the crosshairs of powerful actors seeking to evade scrutiny.
But the threats today are evolving. Instead of overt censorship or physical intimidation, many journalists now face a quieter but equally dangerous form of suppression: SLAPP lawsuits.
SLAPPs: The New Face of Legal Intimidation
SLAPP suits are civil actions—often framed as defamation claims—designed not to seek justice but to drain journalists of time, resources, and morale. They weaponize legitimate legal processes to achieve illegitimate ends.
“SLAPPs aim not to win a verdict,” Angela explained, “but to win a silence.”
By dragging journalists into prolonged litigation, powerful entities hope to create a chilling effect, discouraging further investigation or critical reporting. The impact extends beyond individual reporters; the ultimate victim is the public’s right to know.
A Human Rights Challenge, Not Just a Legal One
ASF France emphasized that confronting SLAPPs is more than a legal exercise—it is a defense of human rights and democratic values. Through the eRIGHTS project, the organization is committed to strengthening civic space, promoting access to justice, and ensuring journalists can work without fear of reprisal.
This training, delivered in partnership with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), aims to empower journalists with working knowledge and preventive strategies, ensuring that SLAPPs lose their power to intimidate.
Training for Empowerment: Tools for Resilience
Over the two-day session, journalists learned how to:
1. Identify a SLAPP
Participants explored the subtle markers distinguishing a legitimate legal complaint from a calculated attempt to muzzle the press. These red flags include exaggerated claims, lawsuits filed in distant jurisdictions, and cases built on vague or broad allegations.
2. Mitigate Their Risks
Given the evolving legal environment, trainers walked journalists through best practices in investigative reporting—from fact-checking protocols to editorial reviews and legal vetting. These strategies strengthen journalistic outputs while reducing vulnerability.
3. Mount an Effective Defense
Legal experts highlighted common arguments used to dismiss SLAPP cases and emphasized the importance of documenting journalistic processes. Through pro bono legal assistance offered under the eRIGHTS project, ASF France aims to ensure that journalists are not left isolated when confronted with abusive litigation.
A Call to Collective Action
The training closed with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the European Union’s support. Angela reaffirmed ASF France’s dedication to protecting the rights of journalists through both capacity building and legal support.
“Let us ensure that the cost of seeking the truth is never the silence of the press,” she urged.
As the participants dispersed, they carried with them not just knowledge but a renewed sense of solidarity and purpose. In a time when silencing tactics are becoming more sophisticated, strengthening journalists’ resilience is not optional—it is essential for sustaining democratic accountability in Nigeria.
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