By Grace Ben Kato
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Zone D, has condemned the arrest and detention of Opeyemi Owoeye, Editor of Kogi Reports, by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
In a press conference recently, NUJ Vice President for Zone D, Adeiza Momohjimoh, described the incident as part of a dangerous trend threatening press freedom and democratic governance in the North-Central region.
The Union said it was “particularly disturbed” by allegations linking a federal lawmaker, Hon. Leke Abejide, to the journalist’s arrest.
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“If indeed the lawmaker had any grievance regarding the publication in question, he ought to have explored the existing cordial relationship between him and the Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to seek an amicable resolution,” Momohjimoh said.
He criticized the alleged use of law enforcement as instruments of intimidation and harassment, stating that democracy thrives on “tolerance, dialogue, consultation and respect for dissenting opinions, not on the suppression of the media through coercive state powers.”
Momohjimoh also faulted the NSCDC over reports that its officials insisted they could not grant Owoeye bail without Abejide’s permission. “Such a position, if true, raises serious questions about the independence, professionalism, and impartiality expected of a law enforcement agency,” he said.
“No individual, regardless of his influence, status or political office, should be placed above the law or be allowed to exercise authority over the constitutional powers and responsibilities of security agencies.”
The NUJ stressed that disputes over media publications should be addressed through courts and established channels, not “arbitrary arrest and detention.”
Momohjimoh commended the Department of State Services in Kogi for its professionalism in handling complaints against journalists, urging other agencies to emulate its approach.
The Union also cited a “growing pattern of hostility toward the media” in the zone, recalling a recent attempt by the Niger State Government to shut down a radio station. “Such actions are condemnable, unconstitutional, and incompatible with democratic norms,” he said.
“An injury to one journalist is an injury to the entire journalism profession.”
Consequently, the NUJ warned that it may place an embargo on coverage of NSCDC activities in Kogi if the agency carries out further acts of aggression against journalists. “And we mean this with every sense of seriousness,” Momohjimoh stated.
He called for immediate and unconditional respect for journalists’ rights, describing the media as “an indispensable partner in the business of nation-building.”
The Union said it would continue to defend press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists nationwide.
Earlier, the state council of the NUJ had condemned the arrest and detention of Opeyemi, in a press statement signed by the Chairman, Alhaji Ademu Seidu Haruna and Acting Secretary, Comrade Atuluku Samuel.
According to the statement, the arrest, raised “questions on the role of security agencies in a democratic society and the protection of press freedom as guaranteed under the Constitution.”
The NUJ noted that Owoeye did not author the article that led to his arrest. “The Editor did not originate the write up, rather, it was written by an individual, but published by the Publisher which ordinarily do not amount to any violation,” the statement read.
The Council described the arrest as “a calculated attempt to smear the corporate image of journalists” and warned the Kogi Command of the NSCDC, not to allow itself to be used by individuals or political actors.
