The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned the arrest and detention of the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Olalekan Akindoju, by police officers in Osogbo.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, the organisation described the incident as unlawful and called on the Nigeria Police Force to issue an official apology to the journalist, while also investigating the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
The statement noted that Akindoju was picked up at his residence in Osogbo on Thursday, June 11, by police operatives who allegedly arrived at his home in the early hours of the morning.
Speaking during a telephone conversation with the IPC-SPJ Hub, Akindoju said the incident happened around 6 a.m., adding that his phone was seized during the arrest.
“They invaded my residence this morning around 6 a.m., arrested me and seized my phone without any valid explanation. All attempts to identify myself as a journalist failed, as they refused to listen to me or allow me contact anyone,” he said.
He further explained that he was detained for several hours before being released after interventions from colleagues and the NUJ, adding that police later claimed it was a case of mistaken identity.
Reacting to the incident, IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, described the action of the officers as condemnable and urged security agencies to exercise greater caution when carrying out arrests, particularly involving journalists.
The SPJ Hub also stressed the importance of protecting press freedom and ensuring journalists are not subjected to harassment, intimidation, or unlawful detention.
It called on the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, to investigate the matter thoroughly and sanction any officers found responsible.
The organisation further urged the police authorities to respect the rights of journalists and maintain an environment that allows media professionals to carry out their duties without fear or interference.
