The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has condemned the unlawful arrest and assault of an Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist, Mr. John Okunyomih, by security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday, 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 while covering the peaceful protest near the Unity Fountain. The security agents allegedly damaged his professional camera and other work tools during the encounter.
The NUJ called for an immediate investigation into the assault and demanded that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller, identify and sanction the officers involved.
“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 read.
The Council further urged authorities to replace the damaged camera and equipment, noting that such restitution would serve as a deterrent to future attacks on media professionals.
While acknowledging that the journalist has since been released, the NUJ insisted that the damage to his equipment must be remedied without delay.
“The Inspector-General of Police must call his officers to order and ensure they act with civility when dealing with journalists performing their statutory duties,” the statement concluded.
The NUJ FCT Council also reiterated its call on security agencies to respect the constitutional and international guarantees of press freedom and allow journalists to cover public events without intimidation or harassment.
