IPC Condemns Detention of Osun NUJ Secretary Akindoju, Demands Police Apology

The International Press Centre, IPC, has condemned the arrest and detention of the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osun State Council, Olalekan Akindoju, by police officers in Osogbo, demanding an official apology from the police.

According to Daily Post, the IPC, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists, SPJ, Hub, described the incident as unlawful. In a statement issued by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, the group demanded that the Nigeria Police Force apologise officially to the journalist and investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Akindoju told the IPC that police operatives arrived at his residence in Osogbo at about 6 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, and arrested him while seizing his phone without explanation. He said he was held for almost five hours before regaining his freedom following interventions by colleagues and the NUJ. The police later claimed the arrest was a case of mistaken identity.

Reacting, the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, criticised the conduct of the officers and urged security agencies to exercise caution when initiating arrests, especially those involving journalists. The IPC called on the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, to ensure a thorough investigation and take action against any officers found culpable.

For press freedom advocates, the incident adds to a growing list of cases of journalists being briefly detained or harassed by security operatives, and underscores the need for clearer protocols to protect reporters carrying out their professional duties.

Sources: Daily Post