The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has condemned in strong terms the unlawful arrest and assault of an Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist, Mr. John Okunyomih, by security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
Okunyomih was reportedly attacked and arrested by armed soldiers and policemen while covering the protest near the Unity Fountain on Monday. The journalist, who was performing his professional duty, was allegedly manhandled and had his camera and other work equipment damaged by the officers deployed to disperse the protesters demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described the incident as a “gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.” He demanded an immediate investigation into the conduct of the security operatives involved.
Oyekunle urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller, to identify and sanction the officers responsible for the assault, stressing that journalists should not be treated as enemies of the state.
“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duties is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are partners in nation-building, not adversaries,” the NUJ statement read in part.
The Union also demanded the replacement of the journalist’s damaged camera and other equipment, noting that such restitution would deter future attacks on media practitioners.
While acknowledging that Okunyomih has since been released, the NUJ FCT Council urged security agencies to respect the constitutional rights of journalists to cover public events freely and without intimidation, in line with international press freedom standards.
“We call on the Inspector-General of Police to call his officers to order and ensure civility in dealing with journalists performing their statutory duties,” Oyekunle added.
