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The International Press Center, Lagos has demanded the immediate release of Yinka Badmus, a photojournalist with Talk Village International in Lagos.
In a report by Vanguard Newspaper dated 11th January, 2019, Badmus, 24 was arrested on New Year eve by policemen attached to the Lagos State Anti-Cultism unit for wearing dreadlocks, which the officers allegedly said made him look like a cultist while eating noodles at Pedro Bus stop, Gbagada, Lagos.
In a statement made available to National Wire and signed by Program Manager, IPC, Stella Nwofia, IPC’s Director, Lanre Arogundade said it was unconstitutional for Badmus him to have been detained for many days before he was eventually arraigned and remanded on the orders of an Ogudu Magistrate Court, Lagos.
Arogundade pleaded with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to step into the matter so that the photo journalist could regain his freedom.
The IPC Director also enjoined journalists to be mindful of their safety and ensure they have means of identification on them at all times.
Yinka Badmus, is currently being held at the Ikoyi Prisons.
