IPI asks Egbetokun to release detained FIJ journalist

..expresses worry over recent attacks on Nigerian journalists

By Innocent Raphael

The abduction of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reignited fears about press safety in Nigeria, prompting the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) to voice urgent concerns.

In a statement released by Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria, the organization condemned Ojukwu’s abduction allegedly by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector General of Police.

“IPI NIGERIA strongly condemns the abduction and calls on the Inspector General of Police to, with immediate effect, order the release of Mr Ojukwu.

“Coming at about the period the world is celebrating the freedom of the press, the action of the Nigeria Police Force speaks volumes of the attitude and commitment of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to the freedom of the press,” it read.

Ojukwu is reported to be held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti in Lagos.

Mojeed further highlighted a growing pattern of attacks on journalists, citing a previous incident involving journalist Segun Olatunji.

“Some weeks ago, the Nigerian military abducted a journalist, Mr Segun Olatunji, in a Gestapo manner in Lagos and flew him to Abuja under humiliating conditions in apparent violation of his rights to dignity and expression.

“With the two incidents cited above, a pattern has ermeged that points to the fact that the administration of President Bola Tinubu does not only condone repression of freedom of the press but also encourage it, in contradiction of promises made during the president’s inaugural speech that his administration would uphold fundamental human rights.

“We have always stated, and it bears repeating that in a democratic setting, the proper step to take is to follow due process in seeking remedies against journalists.

“It amounts to an abuse of his powers and office for the Inspector General of Police to order the abduction of a journalist just because he is the overall head of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

The group called for the immediate release of Ojukwu and urged President Bola Tinubu to take action against the Inspector General of Police, emphasizing the need for accountability to uphold press freedom and human rights.