The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of the Editor of Kogi Reports, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, describing the action as a dangerous development capable of undermining press freedom and democratic principles.
In a statement signed by the Vice President of NUJ Zone D, Adeiza Momohjimoh, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja, the union expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Owoeye’s arrest, noting that the incident raises serious questions about the role of security agencies in a democratic society and the constitutional protection of press freedom.
The union cautioned the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC against allowing itself to be used by politicians or individuals seeking to settle personal or political scores.
It stressed that security agencies funded by public resources must remain professional, impartial, and strictly guided by the law in carrying out their responsibilities.
According to the statement, the statutory functions of the NSCDC do not include scrutinizing media reports, determining the accuracy of journalistic content, or detaining journalists over publications concerning public office holders.
The NUJ maintained that any individual who feels defamed or aggrieved by a media report has access to established legal channels through which redress can be sought, rather than resorting to the use of security agencies to intimidate journalists.
The union also urged politicians and public office holders to desist from deploying publicly funded security institutions to harass, intimidate, or silence citizens, particularly journalists performing their constitutional duty of informing the public.
“Democracy thrives on accountability, transparency, and the free exchange of ideas, not on intimidation and abuse of state institutions,” the statement said.
Condemning what it described as the improper actions of the NSCDC in Kogi State, the NUJ warned that such conduct could erode public confidence in security institutions and weaken democratic values.
The union called on the Commandant-General of the NSCDC to immediately investigate the matter and ensure that the Kogi State Command is held accountable.
It further urged that any officer found to have acted outside the law or established professional standards should face appropriate sanctions.
Momohjimoh reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone D, to defending press freedom, upholding the rule of law, and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
He also called on all stakeholders to safeguard democratic principles and ensure that journalists are not persecuted for carrying out their legitimate professional responsibilities.
