NUJ THREATENS EMBARGO ON NSCDC KOGI OVER ARREST OF JOURNALIST, CITES RISING MEDIA INTIMIDATION IN NORTH-CENTRAL
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D, has condemned the arrest and detention of Opeyemi Owoeye, Editor of Kogi Report, by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), describing the action as a serious threat to press freedom and democratic values.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Lokoja, NUJ Vice President, Zone D, Adeiza Momohjimoh, said the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s detention are “grave and troubling,” reflecting a growing pattern of intimidation against media organisations in parts of the North-Central region.
“The Union is particularly disturbed by allegations linking a federal lawmaker, Leke Abejide, to the events that led to the arrest of the journalist,”
Momohjimoh stated. He noted that if there were grievances over any publication, established channels, such as engagement with the NUJ Kogi State Council, should have been explored for amicable resolution, rather than allegedly resorting to security agencies.
“Any alleged use of law enforcement agencies as instruments of intimidation and harassment against a journalist has no place in a democratic society,” he said.
“Democracy thrives on tolerance, dialogue, accountability, and respect for dissenting opinions, not the suppression of the media through coercive state powers.”
The NUJ Vice President also expressed concern over reports that NSCDC officials claimed they could not grant Owoeye bail without approval from the lawmaker alleged to have initiated the complaint.
“No individual, regardless of status or political office, should be placed above the law or allowed to influence the constitutional responsibilities of security agencies,” Momohjimoh said.
“The administration of justice must be guided by due process and established legal procedures, not the whims of private individuals or political actors.”
He emphasised that disputes arising from media publications should be addressed through lawful means, including the courts, rather than through arbitrary arrest and detention.
While criticising the NSCDC, the NUJ commended the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kogi State for what it described as professionalism in handling complaints involving journalists.
“The current leadership of the DSS has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the role of the media in a democratic society and has maintained a cordial relationship with journalists in the state,” he added, urging other agencies to emulate the example.
Momohjimoh further raised concerns about what he described as a “growing pattern of hostility toward the media” in the region, citing a recent attempt by the Niger State Government to shut down a radio station.
“Such actions are condemnable, unconstitutional, and incompatible with democratic norms. They must not be allowed to recur in any part of Nigeria,” he said.
Citing what it termed the “unacceptable conduct” of the Kogi NSCDC Command, the NUJ issued a warning:
“An injury to one journalist is an injury to the entire profession. Consequently, the Nigeria Union of Journalists may impose an embargo on coverage of NSCDC activities in Kogi State if further acts of aggression against journalists occur.”
The Union called for the immediate and unconditional respect for journalists’ rights and urged authorities to recognise the media as a critical partner in nation-building, accountability, and democratic development.
“We will continue to stand firmly in defence of press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists across the country,” Momohjimoh concluded.
