By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned in strong terms the arrest and detention of its Secretary, Mr. Olalekan Akindoju, by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the action as a disturbing assault on press freedom and a violation of the rights of a professional journalist.
The union, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, expressed outrage over the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Akindoju, who also serves as the Head of News and Current Affairs at Rave 91.7FM/WSTV.
According to the statement, Akindoju was arrested in the early hours of Thursday and taken into police custody under circumstances the union described as avoidable and unjustifiable.
Although he was later released following the intervention of concerned stakeholders and senior police officials, the NUJ insisted that the incident had already caused significant embarrassment and emotional distress to the journalist, his family and the media community.
The Council said the arrest raised serious concerns about the treatment of journalists in the course of carrying out their constitutional duties, warning that such actions could undermine democratic values and discourage media practitioners from discharging their responsibilities without fear or intimidation.
“The arrest of a professional journalist without proper investigation and verification is unacceptable and raises fundamental questions about respect for press freedom, human rights and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The NUJ maintained that journalists play a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance and should therefore be accorded the necessary protection rather than being subjected to harassment by law enforcement agencies.
The union further noted that Akindoju is a respected media professional and law-abiding citizen whose arrest and detention could have been avoided if security operatives had exercised due diligence before taking action.
While commending the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, and the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, for their intervention which led to the journalist’s release, the Council stressed that the development should never have occurred in the first place.
According to the union, the incident reflects the need for greater professionalism and caution on the part of security agencies when dealing with members of the public, especially journalists whose work often involves engaging with sensitive issues in the public interest.
The Council therefore demanded an unreserved public apology from the Nigeria Police Force to Akindoju, his family, Rave 91.7FM/WSTV and the entire journalism profession for what it described as the embarrassment, inconvenience and reputational damage caused by the arrest.
It also called on the police and other security agencies across the country to always conduct thorough investigations and verify facts before carrying out arrests or taking actions that may infringe on the rights and dignity of citizens.
The NUJ warned that arbitrary arrests and intimidation of journalists could create an atmosphere of fear capable of undermining press freedom, which remains a cornerstone of democracy.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of journalists, the Council pledged to continue working towards strengthening press freedom and ensuring that media practitioners can operate in an environment free from intimidation and undue interference.
The union also reiterated its readiness to maintain a cordial and professional relationship with security agencies, provided such relationships are built on mutual respect, professionalism and adherence to constitutional principles.
Meanwhile, the Council expressed appreciation to journalists, civil society organisations, professional bodies, stakeholders and members of the public who showed concern and solidarity during the period of Akindoju’s detention.
The union noted that the widespread reaction to the incident demonstrated the importance Nigerians attach to press freedom and the protection of democratic institutions, adding that vigilance remains necessary to safeguard the rights of journalists and other citizens against abuses of power.
The incident has since generated discussions within media circles in Osun State, with many observers describing it as a test of the commitment of security agencies to upholding democratic norms and respecting the role of the press in society.
The NUJ insists that beyond Akindoju’s release, a public apology and assurances against future occurrences are necessary steps toward restoring confidence and preventing similar incidents in the future.
