This won’t be swept under the carpet like expected. If it is swept, it might not fit. Media bodies are standing tall behind their own – as always.
Media bodies and civil society organizations are calling for a thorough investigation into the detention and prosecution of individuals responsible for the recent arrest and mistreatment of Mr. Segun Olatunji, Editor of FirstNews newspapers.
The incident, involving military personnel, has raised serious concerns about human rights violations and constitutional breaches.
According to reports, armed men in military attire, including those from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), stormed Mr. Olatunji’s residence in a Lagos suburb on March 15, 2024.
He was forcefully taken, blindfolded, and transported to Abuja, where he was held incommunicado in an underground cell for 14 days. Throughout his detention, Mr. Olatunji was subjected to brutal interrogation and denied legal representation.
Media Bodies/CSO Making Demands
Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf
President, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) / President, Nigerian Press Organisations (NPO)
Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose
Executive Secretary, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON)
Eze Anaba
President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)
Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR
National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Maureen Chigbo
President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP)
Musikilu Mojeed
President, International Press Institute, Nigeria Chapter (IPI Nigeria)
Edetaen Ojo
Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA)
Lanre Arogundade
Executive Director, International Press Centre (IPC)
Adetokunbo Mumuni
Director
Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP
The Demands/Resolve
– The Federal Government conducts a speedy, public, transparent and independent investigation into the incident in order identify all persons within and outside the military who were connected with the violation of Mr. Olatunji’s rights.
– There should be full accountability for all those responsible. Therefore, all persons within and outside the military who are found to have been connected with the incident, including those who effected Mr. Olatunji’s arrest, detention and torture, those who directly commanded them, and those who ordered or instigated the action, should be prosecuted before the appropriate court;
– In accordance with Section 35(6) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Federal Government should pay Mr. Olatunji substantial compensation and issue a public apology to him for the unlawful and unconstitutional violation of his rights as well as the inhuman and degrading treatment to which he was subjected; and
– The Federal Government should make an unequivocal public commitment to respect and defend the rights and freedoms of journalists and other media practitioners to carry out their professional duties in a safe and conducive environment in accordance with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and advise all law enforcement, security, intelligence, military and other agencies accordingly.
– Any member of the public, dissatisfied or feel the content in a news medium directly affects or involves him or her unfairly, to approach the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC) (The National Media Ombudsman) for redress, rather than engage in self-help.
What Should Follow Suit
The media bodies are demanding a prompt, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident.
They also insist on holding all individuals involved accountable, both within and outside the military, including those who carried out the arrest, those who commanded them, and those who ordered the operation.
Specific attention has been drawn to Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye and General Christopher Musa, who are implicated in the case.
Furthermore, the undersigned groups are calling for the Federal Government to provide substantial compensation to Mr. Olatunji and issue a public apology for the violation of his rights and the inhumane treatment he endured.
They emphasize the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of journalists as enshrined in the Constitution and urge the government to create a safe environment for media practitioners.
According to them, failure to address these demands within 14 days will prompt them to pursue further actions at national, regional, and international levels to ensure compliance.
