The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the arrest of its Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju, by the Nigeria Police Force, describing the action as unwarranted and a threat to the rights of media practitioners.
Akindoju, who doubles as the Head of News and Current Affairs at Rave 91.7FM/WSTV, was reportedly taken into custody in the early hours of Thursday before regaining his freedom following interventions from concerned individuals and groups.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the council, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, said in a statement that the union was disturbed by the arrest of a journalist without what it considered sufficient investigation and fact-checking by the police.
The union noted that the incident underscores the need for greater respect for press freedom, civil liberties and the rule of law in the discharge of law enforcement duties.
It stressed that journalists should be able to perform their professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or undue interference.
The council further expressed displeasure over the circumstances surrounding Akindoju’s arrest, insisting that the journalist was subjected to avoidable hardship despite his reputation as a responsible citizen and media professional.
While commending the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, and the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, for their roles in securing Akindoju’s release, the NUJ maintained that the situation could have been prevented through proper verification before any action was taken.
The union therefore urged the Nigeria Police Force to tender a public apology to Akindoju, his family, Rave 91.7FM/WSTV and the journalism community over the embarrassment and inconvenience caused by the arrest.
It also appealed to security agencies to adopt more thorough investigative procedures and ensure facts are adequately verified before carrying out actions that could affect the rights and dignity of citizens.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding press freedom and journalists’ welfare, while expressing readiness to sustain a professional working relationship with security agencies.
The council equally thanked members of the media, civil society groups and other stakeholders who stood in solidarity with Akindoju during the incident.
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