The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), Alhaji 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.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Momohjimoh said the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s arrest raise serious concerns about press freedom and the role of security agencies in a democratic society.
He cautioned the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC against being used by politicians or individuals to pursue personal or political interests, stressing that security agencies must remain professional, impartial and operate strictly within the confines of the law.
The NUJ Zone D Vice President noted that the statutory responsibilities of the NSCDC do not include scrutinising journalistic reports or detaining journalists over publications concerning public office holders.
According to him, individuals who feel aggrieved by media reports have legal avenues through which they can seek redress.
He also urged politicians and public office holders to refrain from using state security institutions to harass or intimidate journalists and other citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
Momohjimoh maintained that democracy thrives on accountability, transparency and freedom of expression, warning that actions capable of stifling press freedom could undermine public confidence in security institutions.
The NUJ official condemned the reported action of the NSCDC in Kogi State, describing it as a dangerous precedent. He called on the Commandant-General of the NSCDC to investigate the matter and ensure that any officer found to have acted outside the law or professional standards is sanctioned accordingly.
Momohjimoh reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ to defending press freedom, the rule of law and the constitutional rights of citizens, while urging all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and protect journalists in the discharge of their professional duties.
