The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), has condemned the arrest and detention of the Editor of Kogi Reports, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, described the action as a threat to press freedom and democratic governance.
In a statement issued by the Vice President of NUJ Zone D, Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, the union expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s arrest, saying the development raises serious questions about the conduct of security agencies and the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights.
The union warned the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC against allowing itself to be used by politicians or other individuals to settle personal or political scores, stressing that security agencies must remain professional, impartial, and guided strictly by the law.
According to the statement, the statutory responsibilities of the NSCDC do not include scrutinising news reports, determining the accuracy of journalistic content, or detaining journalists over publications involving public office holders.
The NUJ noted that individuals who feel defamed or aggrieved by media reports have access to established legal channels through which they can seek redress, rather than resorting to the use of security agencies.
The union also cautioned politicians and public office holders against using state-funded security institutions to harass, intimidate, or silence journalists and other citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
“Democracy thrives on accountability, transparency and the free exchange of ideas, not on intimidation and abuse of state institutions,” the statement said.
Describing the action of the NSCDC in Kogi State as a dangerous precedent, the NUJ said such conduct could undermine press freedom and erode public confidence in security institutions.
The union called on the Commandant-General of the NSCDC to immediately investigate the matter and rein in the Kogi State Command. It further urged that any officer found to have acted outside the law or professional standards should be sanctioned accordingly.
Reaffirming its commitment to the defence of press freedom, the rule of law and constitutional rights, the NUJ urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that journalists are not persecuted for carrying out their legitimate professional duties.
