The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has condemned the arrest of one of its members, Seun Odunlami, by operatives of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
The union, in a statement on Thursday, signed by its Secretary, Bunmi Adigun, described the arrest as “shocking and unlawful”.
Odunlami, the publisher of Newsjaunts Online, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the Lagos State Police command.
In the statement, the NUJ lamented that the Gestapo manner in which Odunlami was picked up on Wednesday by plain-clothed officers very close to the Secretariat of the union was a sad reminiscence of the better-forgotten-military era when journalists were hounded into detention at any slightest provocation albeit unfounded allegations.
“This unacceptable act, reminiscent of Gestapo tactics, was brazenly carried out in front of Providus Bank, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, a few meters away from the Union’s Secretariat, Iwe Irohin Press Centre, by plain-clothed officers in the presence of some of his colleagues before being whisked away to an unknown destination with an unmarked bus while all his phones have since been switched off.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Seun Odunlami, a detailed explanation for the circumstances surrounding his abduction, as well as an investigation into the actions of the police operatives involved.
“The police must also provide evidence of any wrongdoing or prima facie case against him, as this unacceptable commando-like arrest threatens the very fabric of fundamental rights of journalists in Nigeria.
“The NUJ Ogun State Council stands in solidarity with Seun Odunlami’s family and colleagues, who are understandably distraught and concerned for his safety.
“We urge all relevant authorities to intervene and ensure Seun Odunlami’s safe return while the NUJ will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists’ rights and the rule of law in Nigeria,” the statement partly read.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, said that no official report had been made against the arrest of the journalist but the command would swing into action to help locate his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ogun NUJ, Wale Olanrewaju, said the union, with the kind assistance of the state police command, had established contact with the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos and they had confirmed that the journalist was with them and might be arraigned either today or tomorrow.
