The arrest of the news editor at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Marcus Fatunmole, in the Abuja Central Police Station has sparked public outrage, specifically among members of the press.
Fatunmole was detained during his investigative reporting on controversial buses in FCT Abuja on Monday.
Despite presenting valid identification and confirmation from his editor, Fatunmole endured a six-hour detainment at the Central Police Station, with his phone seized and Google account intruded upon by Abuja Property Development Company (APDC) security officials.
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Meanwhile, the Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has strongly condemned the unwarranted arrest of Marcus Fatunmole,
Expressing deep concern over the harassment faced by Fatunmole at Eagle Square car park, the CWPPF asserts that his rights were obstructed by security operatives, including a police officer, APDC, and a private security named Ibukun Akindele
The Nigeria Police Force is urged to conduct a thorough investigation, and the group calls for sensitisation of security operatives to prevent further harassment of journalists.
Bamas Victoria, an editor at the ICIR, emphasises the daily struggles journalists face in Nigeria and calls for public awareness on their role.
“This is an instance of the daily hassle journalists practising in Nigeria go through in the discharge of their work; at every level, we face harassment and intimidation from both official and nonofficial forces. There is a need for mass sensitization of the public on the work and role of journalists, as well as massive training and sensitization for the different cadres of security agents,” said Victoria of the ICIR.
The CWPPF further urges ICIR to seek legal redress and calls on the NBA to investigate Ibukun Akindele’s actions as a colluding lawyer.
This incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive training and sensitisation for security agents to uphold press freedom and protect journalists in the line of duty.
Bamas Victoria, an editor at the ICIR, emphasises the daily struggles journalists face in Nigeria and calls for public awareness on their role.
“This is an instance of the daily hassle journalists practising in Nigeria go through in the discharge of their work; at every level, we face harassme and intimidation from both official and nonofficial forces. There is a need for mass sensitisation of the public on the work and role of journalists, as well as massive training and sensitization for the different cadres of security agents,” said Victoria of
