By Hassan Adamu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), has condemned the arrest of the Publisher/Editor of Kogi Report, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The union described the arrest as a disturbing development capable of undermining press freedom and weakening democratic accountability in the country.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued by the NUJ Zone D Vice President, Comrade Adeiza Momojimoh, who expressed concern over what he termed the growing tendency to use security agencies to intimidate journalists.
According to the NUJ, the circumstances surrounding the arrest, as reported in the media, raise serious questions about the role of security agencies in a democratic society and the constitutional protection of press freedom.
The union cautioned the NSCDC against allowing itself to be used as an instrument for settling personal or political disputes, stressing that security agencies must remain professional, impartial, and guided strictly by their statutory mandate.
“The Kogi State Command of the NSCDC must not allow itself to be turned into a tool in the hands of aggrieved politicians or individuals seeking to settle personal or political scores,” the statement read.
It further noted that the mandate of the NSCDC does not include investigating journalistic content or detaining media practitioners over publications concerning public office holders.
“The Corps is not empowered to scrutinise news reports or determine the correctness of journalistic content. Where any person feels defamed or aggrieved by a publication, there are established legal channels for redress,” the union stated.
The NUJ also urged politicians and public office holders to refrain from using security agencies to harass or silence journalists performing their constitutional duty of informing the public.
It warned that such actions threaten democratic values, accountability, and transparency, which are essential pillars of governance.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone D, strongly detests the action of the NSCDC in Kogi State and views it as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining press freedom and public confidence in security institutions,” the statement added.
The union called on the Commandant General of the NSCDC to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that any officer found culpable is appropriately sanctioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of citizens, urging all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and avoid any form of intimidation against journalists.
