NUJ Condemns Arrest of Kogi Journalist, Calls for Immediate Release

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) issued a statement yesterday condemning the arrest of Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, Publisher/Editor of Kogi Report, by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives on Thursday in Lokoja.

The statement was signed by Adeiza Momojimoh, Vice President of NUJ Zone D (North Central).

NUJ said the circumstances of the arrest, as reported by the media, cast doubt on the role of security agencies in a democratic society and on the protection of press freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The NUJ Zone D wishes to state unequivocally that the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC must not be turned into a tool for aggrieved politicians or individuals seeking to settle personal or political scores,” the statement read. “Security agencies established and funded by the Nigerian people must remain professional, impartial, and guided strictly by the law.”

“The mandate of the NSCDC is clearly defined by the Act establishing the agency. Scrutinising news reports, determining the correctness of journalistic content, and detaining journalists for publishing stories concerning public office holders do not form part of the statutory responsibilities of the Corps. Where any person feels defamed or aggrieved by a publication, there are established legal channels for seeking redress,” the statement added.

“We also advise politicians and public office holders to desist from using publicly funded security apparatus to harass, intimidate, or silence citizens, including journalists who are merely carrying out their constitutional duty of informing the public. Democracy thrives on accountability, transparency, and the free exchange of ideas, not on intimidation and abuse of state institutions,” it continued.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone D (North Central), strongly detests the action of the NSCDC in Kogi State and views it as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining press freedom and public confidence in security institutions,” the statement said.

Accordingly, NUJ called on the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to immediately investigate the matter and order the Kogi State Command to comply. “Any officer found to have acted outside the law or professional standards should be appropriately sanctioned,” the statement urged.

“The NUJ remains committed to defending press freedom, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of all citizens. We urge all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that no journalist is persecuted for carrying out legitimate professional duties,” the statement concluded.