NUJ Condemns Arrest, Assault of AFP Journalist, Demands Replacement of Damaged Camera

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has strongly condemned the unlawful arrest and assault of Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist, Mr.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described the incident as “a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.

Okunyomih was reportedly manhandled by armed soldiers and policemen deployed to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. His professional camera and other work equipment were also damaged while he was covering the protest near the Unity Fountain.

The NUJ called for an immediate investigation into the matter, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller, to identify and sanction the officers responsible for the assault.

“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duties is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” the statement said.

The Council further urged authorities to replace the journalist’s damaged camera and other equipment, stressing that such compensation would deter future attacks on media professionals.

The NUJ FCT Council also reiterated its call on security agencies to respect the rights of journalists to freely cover public events without intimidation, in line with constitutional guarantees and international press freedom standards.

“While we acknowledge that he has been released, we demand that his camera and other gadgets damaged by the armed policemen be replaced immediately.

“We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police to caution his officers and ensure they act with civility when dealing with journalists performing their statutory duties,” the statement concluded.