The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), Adeiza Momohjimoh, has expressed concern over the reported arrest and detention of the Editor of Kogi Reports, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State.
Key Highlights:
- NUJ condemned the arrest of Kogi Reports editor Opeyemi Owoeye by NSCDC.
- NUJ warned the NSCDC against being used for political vendettas.
- Scrutinizing news reports is not part of NSCDC’s duties.
- Defamed persons should seek legal redress, not harass journalists.
- NUJ demanded an investigation and possible sanctions of officers involved.
Momohjimoh, in a statement on Saturday, described the development as troubling, saying the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s arrest raised serious concerns about press freedom and the role of security agencies in a democratic society.
According to him, the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC must not allow itself to be used by politicians or other individuals seeking to pursue personal or political vendettas.
He stressed that security agencies established with public funds are expected to remain professional, impartial and guided by the law in the discharge of their duties.
“The mandate of the NSCDC is clearly defined by the Act establishing the agency. Scrutinising news reports, determining the correctness of journalistic content, and detaining journalists for publishing stories concerning public office holders do not form part of the statutory responsibilities of the corps,” the statement said.
The NUJ official noted that individuals who feel defamed or aggrieved by media publications have access to legal channels through which they can seek redress.
He also cautioned politicians and public office holders against deploying state security institutions to harass, intimidate or silence journalists and other citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
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According to him, democracy can only thrive where accountability, transparency and freedom of expression are protected.
Momohjimoh said the union strongly disapproved of the action of the NSCDC in Kogi State, describing it as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining press freedom and public confidence in security institutions.
He called on the commandant-general of the NSCDC to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that the Kogi State Command acts within the limits of the law.
The NUJ leader further urged the corps to sanction any officer found to have acted outside established legal and professional standards.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ Zone D to defending press freedom, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of citizens, while urging all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that journalists are not persecuted for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
