Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday, September 25, reportedly whisked away a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Seun Odunlami.
The NUJ has since expressed its strong disapproval of the event, which it described as kidnapping by the Ogun police command.
This disapproval was detailed in a statement signed by the council’s Secretary, Bunmi Adigun, on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Naija News learnt that Odunlami was taken away on Wednesday, just a few meters from the union’s secretariat, by uniformed officers in a vehicle that was not marked.
The union quoted a witness, who wished to remain anonymous, to have stated that Odunlami was immediately handcuffed and placed in the vehicle after exiting Providus Bank, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
In its statement, the council described the event as disturbing and illegal, noting that they could not contact him as his phones were deactivated.
The statement reads: “This unacceptable act, reminiscent of Gestapo tactics, was brazenly carried out in front of Providus Bank, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, a few meters away from the Union’s Secretariat, Iwe Irohin Press Centre, by plain-clothed officers in the presence of some of his colleagues before being whisked away to an unknown destination with an unmarked bus while all his phones have since been switched off.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Seun Odunlami, a detailed explanation for the circumstances surrounding his abduction, as well as an investigation into the actions of the police operatives involved.
“The police must also provide evidence of any wrongdoing or prima facie case against him, as this unacceptable commando-like arrest threatens the very fabric of fundamental rights of journalists in Nigeria.
“The NUJ Ogun State Council stands in solidarity with Seun Odunlami’s family and colleagues, who are understandably distraught and concerned for his safety.”
While advocating for the protection of journalists’ rights and the rule of law in Nigeria, the NUJ urged all relevant authorities to intervene and ensure his safe return.
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