The NUJ condemns the unlawful arrests of journalists Olonishuwa and Odunlami, stressing the importance of protecting press freedom in Nigeria.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he NUJ condemns the unlawful arrests of journalists Rowland Olonishuwa and Seun Odunlami by the Lagos State Police, highlighting press freedom violations.

The Kwara and Ogun State Councils of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have condemned the recent arrests of journalists Rowland Olonishuwa and Seun Odunlami.

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Olonishuwa was forcibly taken from his home by detectives from the Lagos State Special Fraud Unit on September 25, 2024. Odunlami, a member of the Ogun State Council, was also arrested by Lagos police operatives.

The Kwara NUJ issued a statement condemning the manner of Olonishuwa’s arrest, calling it intimidation and a violation of his fundamental rights.

The council confirmed that the Kwara State Police was unaware of the operation, raising serious concerns about due process.

Kwara NUJ’s Secretary, Mahmood Olayinka Alaya, stated, “The secretive nature of the arrest violates proper legal and procedural norms.” The council reached out to both the Kwara State Police and the Lagos State NUJ for intervention.

They demanded Olonishuwa’s immediate release and an explanation for the involvement of Lagos police outside their jurisdiction.

The Ogun NUJ also denounced Odunlami’s arrest, calling it “shocking and unlawful.” They are actively seeking information about his whereabouts and have established contact with the Special Fraud Unit to confirm his status.

Both councils reiterated their commitment to protecting press freedom, emphasising that the press is essential to democracy.