The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has strongly condemned the arrest and assault of Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist Mr John Okunyomih by security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described the incident as “a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.”
Okunyomih was reportedly manhandled by armed soldiers and policemen deployed to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. His professional camera and other work tools were also destroyed while covering the protest near the Unity Fountain.
The NUJ FCT Council called for a full investigation into the incident and urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller, to identify and sanction the officers responsible for the assault.
“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duty is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” the statement read.
The Union further demanded the immediate replacement of Okunyomih’s damaged camera and equipment, stressing that such action would deter future attacks on journalists.
While acknowledging the journalist’s release, the NUJ emphasised that the police must exercise civility when dealing with media professionals performing their statutory duties.
“We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police to call his officers to order and ensure that journalists are treated with the respect their work deserves,” the statement concluded.
