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 by Melody Akinjiyan, its Press Freedom Officer on Friday, the organisation described the incident as unlawful and called on the Nigeria Police Force to apologise officially to the journalist and investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
According to the statement, “Akindoju was arrested at his residence in Osogbo on Thursday, June 11, by police operatives who allegedly arrived at his home in the early hours of the day.”
Speaking in a telephone conversation with the Press Freedom Officer of the IPC-SPJ Hub, Akindoju said the incident occurred at about 6 a.m.
“They invaded my residence this morning around 6a.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 give me opportunity to call anyone,” he said.
Akindoju further stated that he was held for several hours before regaining his freedom following interventions by colleagues and the NUJ.
“I was detained for almost five hours before I was released after the intervention of colleagues and the NUJ. The Police claimed it was a case of mistaken identity,” he added.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, criticised the conduct of the officers involved and urged security agencies to exercise caution in carrying out arrests.
“This incident is highly condemnable, and the Police must do due diligence in gathering their intelligence and information before initiating arrests, especially as it pertains to journalists,” Arogundade said.
The SPJ Hub reiterated the need to protect press freedom and safeguard journalists from harassment, intimidation and unlawful arrests.
The organisation also called on the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and take appropriate action against any officers found culpable.
The statement urged the police authorities to uphold the rights of journalists and guarantee an environment that allows media practitioners to carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation or unlawful interference.
