Agba Jalingo

Agba Jalingo is a prominent Nigerian journalist, publisher, human rights activist, and social commentator, widely recognized for his investigative reporting and critical stance on governance, particularly in Cross River State, Nigeria. He is the publisher of *Cross River Watch*, an online news platform known for its deep dive into political and social issues affecting the region. **Early Life and Education** Details regarding Jalingo's precise date of birth and early life are not extensively documented in public domain, but he is a native of Cross River State, Nigeria. His education background includes training in journalism and mass communication, which laid the foundation for his subsequent career in media and activism. **Career Progression and Notable Works** Jalingo established himself as a formidable voice in Nigerian media through *Cross River Watch*. His journalism career is characterized by an unwavering commitment to holding political figures accountable and exposing corruption and maladministration. *Cross River Watch* became a key platform for disseminating news and opinion on the socio-political landscape of the state. His most notable works and investigations often center around public finance scrutiny. In 2019, Jalingo gained significant international attention following his coverage of the alleged diversion of 500 million Nigerian Naira by the Cross River State government. His reporting on this issue led directly to his arrest and detention. **Major Achievements and Advocacy** Jalingo's work has earned him recognition as a leading figure in human rights advocacy in Nigeria. His greatest achievement lies in his commitment to press freedom, even in the face of significant judicial and political challenges. His imprisonment drew widespread condemnation from national and international human rights organizations, press freedom advocates, and media bodies, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). These groups championed his cause, using his case as a focal point for discussing the deterioration of press freedom and the use of anti-cybercrime laws to stifle dissent in Nigeria. **Current Status** As of his most high-profile case, Agba Jalingo was detained on charges that were widely viewed as politically motivated in response to his journalism. While he was eventually released on bail and his charges were later dropped, his legal and professional life continues to reflect the inherent risks associated with investigative journalism and political commentary in Nigeria. He remains the publisher of *Cross River Watch* and continues his work as a journalist and advocate for good governance and transparency.