The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is appalled and outraged by the unlawful detention of our Union Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun by the Police Area Commander of Zone 2, Abeokuta, ACP Ogundele Olorunwa. This constant brazen abuse of energy and disrespect for the rule of legislation of this supposed senior police officer is unacceptable and calls for instant consideration by the upper authorities of the pressure.
The Council Secretary, whereas partaking in efforts to revive sanity round our Council Secretariat final evening, an space that has sadly turn into overrun by people, particularly girls of the evening (Olosho), partaking in actions that undermine the dignity of our career and security of our group, was detained for hours on Tuesday, October twenty first until the wee hours of Wednesday, October twenty second, 2025 by the Area Commander, upon reporting and in search of help of the police to arrest a defiant particular person, who’s equally a girl of low advantage (Olosho), that was constantly inflicting a nuisance in and round of our Secretariat.
Shockingly, as an alternative of supporting our efforts to take care of legislation and order, the Area Commander selected to detain our Union Secretary for hours after checking his Facebook account and realized the Secretary used the CDHR story towards the Area Commander. He confronted Comrade Adigun, thanking his stars for the chance to have his pound of flesh. He instantly ordered his detention, and a written assertion, citing an alleged authority that clearly displays an abuse of energy. These actions are a transparent instance of policing gone improper, prioritizing private pursuits, and aiding and abetting immorality over public security and the rule of legislation.
This incident is unacceptable and indicative of a troubling pattern inside the legislation enforcement hierarchy. The Nigeria Union of Journalists condemns this act as a blatant violation of the rights of a law-abiding citizen and journalist who was merely fulfilling his responsibility to uphold the legislation alongside law enforcement officials. While standing firmly towards any type of intimidation, harassment, or abuse of authority by legislation enforcement officers, we discountenance actions that undermine press freedom and the rights of residents.
Furthermore, we’re conscious that the Area Commander at present has a pending case earlier than the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, which raises much more alarm in regards to the conduct of people in positions of authority. However, this rising variety of complaints towards the actions of the Area Commander necessitates instant consideration and motion to forestall additional deterioration of legislation enforcement’s fame and conduct inside our group.
Though we’re reassured by our cordial relationships with different law enforcement officials of integrity, particularly the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, as a matter of exigency, we name on the CP himself to take swift motion towards this errant officer and be certain that justice is served. Ogun NUJ deserves higher cooperation from the legislation enforcement companies as we try to sanitize our secretariat.
As a Union, we stand united in solidarity with our Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, and in advocating for justice, accountability, and the safety of our rights as journalists.
We demand instant investigation into Comrade Adigun’s unlawful detention, and an intensive investigation into the Area Commander’s conduct with applicable attendant actions in the direction of justice.
Equally, we urge the federal government of Ogun State and different legislation enforcement companies to uphold the rights and security of the media, reaffirm their dedication to press freedom and the safeguarding of journalists’ rights in Ogun State. Any harassment or intimidation towards media practitioners should come to an finish. We subsequently, encourage all media practitioners and members of the general public to lend their voices on this essential matter.
We is not going to again down till the Area Commander is delivered to justice for his abuse of authority.
Signed:
Comrade ‘Wale Olanrewaju,
Chairman, NUJ Ogun State Council.
