NUJ Reacts Strongly To Ogun Police Arrest Of Local Journalist

NUJ Reacts Strongly To Ogun Police Arrest Of Local Journalist

On Wednesday, September 25, members of the Nigeria Police Force reportedly abducted Seun Odunlami, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The NUJ has condemned the incident, labeling it as an act of kidnapping by the Ogun police command…….CONTINUE READING 

This condemnation was articulated in a statement released on Thursday in Abeokuta, signed by the council’s Secretary, Bunmi Adigun. According to reports, Odunlami was taken just a few meters from the union’s secretariat by uniformed officers in an unmarked vehicle.

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that Odunlami was handcuffed immediately after exiting Providus Bank in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, before being forced into the vehicle. The NUJ expressed concern over the disturbing and illegal nature of the event, highlighting that they were unable to reach him as his phones had been turned off.

The statement described the incident as “unacceptable,” likening it to Gestapo tactics, noting that it occurred in plain sight of Odunlami’s colleagues outside the bank, and that he was taken away to an unknown location in an unmarked bus.

The NUJ demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Seun Odunlami, a thorough explanation of the circumstances surrounding his abduction, and an investigation into the police operatives’ actions. They called on the police to provide evidence of any alleged wrongdoing or a prima facie case against him, stressing that such commando-like arrests threaten the fundamental rights of journalists in Nigeria.

The NUJ Ogun State Council expressed solidarity with Odunlami’s family and colleagues, who are understandably anxious about his safety. They urged all relevant authorities to intervene and ensure his prompt and safe return, advocating for the protection of journalists’ rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.