The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has issued a stern warning to Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the immediate release of a journalist Daniel Ojukwu.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Ojukwu was currently detained by the Nigerian police.
Failure to comply, the IPI threatened, would result in Egbetokun being blacklisted and branded an enemy of the media and journalists.
In a joint statement signed by the President of the Institute, Musikilu Mojeed, and the legal adviser/Chair of the Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, the IPI condemned Ojukwu’s abduction by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police.
Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was reportedly apprehended and is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lagos.
The statement expressed grave concern over the safety of journalists in Nigeria, citing Ojukwu’s case as yet another example of the alarming trend of press intimidation and harassment in the country.
It drew attention to a previous incident where journalist Segun Olatunji was forcefully taken into custody by the Nigerian military, highlighting a disturbing pattern of suppression of press freedom.
The IPI emphasized that such actions by law enforcement agencies undermine the fundamental human rights guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution and run counter to President Bola Tinubu’s promises to uphold these rights.
It called on President Tinubu to take decisive action against Egbetokun for his role in Ojukwu’s detention, stressing that accountability is essential in a democratic society.
The statement concluded by demanding Ojukwu’s immediate release and warning of dire consequences if Egbetokun fails to comply.
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