NUJ Protests Arrest of Seun Odunlami
The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the arrest of Seun Odunlami, a journalist and publisher of Newsjaunts Online.Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command apprehended Odunlami in a shocking incident that the NUJ described as unlawful. His arrest has drawn widespread criticism from the union and his colleagues.
Journalist Arrested in Gestapo-Style Operation
According to a statement from Bunmi Adigun, the NUJ Secretary, plain-clothed police officers arrested Odunlami near Providus Bank, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, on Wednesday. His arrest, described as a Gestapo-style operation, occurred close to the NUJ secretariat in the presence of colleagues. The officers, using an unmarked vehicle, whisked him away to an unknown location, leaving his colleagues and family concerned about his safety.
NUJ Demands Immediate Release
In response to the arrest, the NUJ has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Seun Odunlami. The union expressed concerns over the nature of the arrest and the lack of transparency surrounding the circumstances. The NUJ further called for a detailed investigation into the actions of the police officers involved and an explanation for the journalist’s detention.
Allegations Still Unclear
The reason for Odunlami’s arrest remains unclear. A colleague, who witnessed the arrest and spoke on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the officers claimed to be from the Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi. Despite the claim, authorities have not yet made the exact charges against Odunlami public.
Ogun Police Command Assists in Investigation
The Ogun State Police Command has stepped in to help locate Odunlami. The NUJ chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, confirmed that the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos acknowledged Odunlami was in their custody. Authorities may arraign him either today or tomorrow, but they have not yet presented any formal charges.
Journalists Call for Action
The arrest of Seun Odunlami has raised concerns about the safety and rights of journalists in Nigeria. The NUJ has vowed to continue advocating for the protection of journalists and press freedom, urging relevant authorities to ensure that such unlawful arrests do not become a recurring issue in the country.
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