Sanwo-Olu’s CSO harasses journalists at Lagos empowerment event

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Kunle Fagbemi, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has come under fire for verbally harassing members of the governor’s press crew during an official event held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Saturday.The incident occurred during a high-profile empowerment programme organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative — a pet project of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The event was aimed at empowering 1,000 women across Lagos State.

Eyewitnesses reported that Fagbemi aggressively confronted the governor’s official press crew as they made their way to the venue in their designated media bus. Without prior provocation, Fagbemi reportedly halted the vehicle and launched into a tirade, accusing the journalists of being “disruptive” and “unprofessional.”

Multiple journalists at the scene recounted how the CSO hurled abusive language at them, creating a tense and embarrassing scene in full view of passersby and dignitaries present at the venue.

Efforts by some media personnel to calm the situation were rebuffed, as Fagbemi allegedly doubled down on his accusations and insisted that the press crew had overstepped their bounds within the Lagos State Government premises.

Although no physical confrontation was reported, members of the press expressed serious concerns about their safety and the growing pattern of intimidation journalists face while covering government activities.

“This is unacceptable,” said one of the affected reporters, who requested anonymity. “We were simply doing our jobs, yet we were treated with hostility by someone who should be protecting us.”

The incident has sparked outrage within media circles, with many calling on Governor Sanwo-Olu to launch a formal investigation and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against the CSO to prevent further intimidation of journalists.