By Sunny Adebija
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D, has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of the Editor of Kogi Report, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The Vice President of NUJ Zone D, Comrade Adeiza Momohjimoh, stated this while addressing journalists in Lokoja,
Momohjimoh said the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s arrest raise serious concerns about the independence, professionalism and constitutional responsibilities of law enforcement agencies.
He describing the action as a threat to press freedom and democratic governance.
Momohjimoh also expressed concern over allegations linking a federal lawmaker, Mr. Leke Abejide, to the arrest.
According to Comrade Momohjimoh, any grievance arising from a publication should have been addressed through dialogue with the NUJ rather than through the deployment of security agencies.
He described as disturbing reports that NSCDC officials allegedly insisted they could not grant Mr. Owoeye bail without the approval of the lawmaker said to have lodged the complaint.
While condemning the conduct of the NSCDC, the NUJ commended the Kogi State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) for what it described as its professional handling of complaints involving journalists.
The Vice President of NUJ Zone D, further decried what it called growing hostility towards the media across some North-Central states, citing the recent attempt by the Niger State Government to shut down a radio station.
Comrade Momohjimoh warned that the NUJ may impose an embargo on the coverage of NSCDC activities in Kogi State should the agency engage in further actions perceived as harassment or intimidation of journalists.
He called for the protection of press freedom and respect for the constitutional rights of media practitioners, stressing that a free press remains essential to democratic accountability and good governance.
