The Publisher of Kogi Reports, an online news platform, Mr. Ope Owoeye, has regained his freedom on Friday following his arrest and detention by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State Command.
According to The Reporter, Owoeye, a member of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kogi State, confirmed his release in a telephone interview.
Owoeye disclosed that he was released around 10 p.m. on Thursday after spending several hours in detention. However, he said the NSCDC directed him to return to its office on Monday for further engagement.
He alleged that his arrest was instigated by Hon. Leke Abejide, the member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, over a report published by Kogi Reports concerning the conduct of recent political primaries in the constituency.
Describing the action as “uncivil,” the publisher argued that any concerns regarding his report should have been addressed through established legal and professional channels rather than through arrest and detention.
According to him, the appropriate step would have been to lodge a complaint with the NUJ, which possesses internal mechanisms for addressing disputes related to journalistic practice and ethical conduct.
The arrest sparked widespread condemnation from media practitioners, civil society organisations and human rights advocates across Kogi State. Among those that reacted were the NUJ Zone D and several civil society groups, which described the incident as a threat to press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists.
The NUJ urged security agencies and public office holders to respect the rule of law and uphold freedom of the press, stressing that an independent media remains a critical pillar of democratic governance.
The development has continued to generate debate within media and civic circles, with stakeholders warning against actions capable of intimidating journalists and undermining independent reporting.
They also called on relevant authorities to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of harassment, intimidation or unlawful detention.
Owoeye’s release has been welcomed by colleagues, supporters and press freedom advocates, while attention now turns to his scheduled appearance at the NSCDC office on Monday.
