The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos is concerned about the alleged maltreatment of Oluwagbemiga Olamikan, a photojournalist with the Vanguard newspaper by the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.
In a statement signed by Olutoyin Ayoade,
Communications Officer for IPC, “The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT, specified that the DSS operatives prevented some reporters from covering the trial of some supporters of Sunday Adeyemo, a youth leader better known as Sunday Igboho,” the statement reads in part.
Continuing, the statement says,” Oluwagbemiga Olamikan was reportedly assaulted at the said trial which took place at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday August 2nd, 2021.”
In a statement by the Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, IPC also said, “This occurrence is another indication that journalists’ rights and press freedom are ceaselessly being disregarded in the country”.
Arogundade added that, “Journalists are legitimately authorised to carry out their duties without interference and their harassment in the course of duty in a matter of immense public interest is appalling and unacceptable”.
Arogundade said IPC is demanding immediate investigation and prosecution of the security operatives responsible for the assault to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to engage in similar act of brutality. “An unreserved apology should be tendered to Mr. Olamikan while he should be well compensated”, the statement added.
