The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the release of the Editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji, who was allegedly arrested by soldiers in Lagos 12 days ago.
IPI Nigeria urged Tinubu to activate the powers of his office as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to direct the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to release Olatunji.
The institute made the call in a statement jointly issued by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
It noted that multiple checks by the institute revealed that Olatunji is in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), an agency under the command of Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who, in turn, reports to the Chief of Defence Staff.
“For the past eleven days, the abducted journalist has been kept incommunicado, with his family, employers, and colleagues unaware of his whereabouts,” IPI Nigeria added.
Soldiers arrest FirstNews Editor, Segun Olatunji
IPI Nigeria said it has received inquiries about the matter across the world, noting that it has also contacted the Nigeria Police Police, the Nigerian Army, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Defence Headquarters, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation seeking information on Olatunji and demanding his release.
It said: “All efforts in this direction have so far failed.
“That has triggered speculations among journalists and human rights activists around the world that the Nigerian military may be keeping some vital information away from the public concerning the journalist’s safety.”
The institute, therefore, called on President Tinubu to “direct the Nigerian military authorities to immediately release Mr Olatunji or charge him to court if he has committed any offence.”
IPI Nigeria added: “The international community should also pay attention to the unjust detention of Mr. Olatunji by the Nigerian military.
“The rule of law demands that an accused person is allowed to defend himself in a court of law within a reasonable time. This also conforms with the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which forbids the detention of any citizen or resident beyond 48 hours, except with a valid court order.”
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