The Coalition of Middle-Belt Indigenous Reporters has condemned the arrest and detention of Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, Editor of Kogi Report, describing the development as an attack on press freedom and democratic values.
The coalition issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, demanding the withdrawal of all alleged charges against the journalist and a public apology to both Owoeye and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, or risk nationwide media protests.
Owoeye was reportedly arrested on Thursday by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Lokoja, Kogi State, following the publication of an investigative report alleging that Abejide attempted to influence the outcome of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Kogi West Senatorial primary election through contacts within the Presidency.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja and signed by its coordinator, Aimu Gwaza, the coalition described the arrest of a journalist over a publication as inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
According to the group, journalists play a critical role in strengthening accountability and democratic governance and should not be subjected to intimidation or harassment in the discharge of their professional duties.
“Democracy is weakened when journalists are intimidated or detained for carrying out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public and holding power accountable,” the statement said.
The coalition further alleged that the incident reflects what it described as a growing pattern of intolerance toward dissenting views and criticism within the constituency represented by Abejide.
While commending the NSCDC for Owoeye’s subsequent release, the coalition urged security agencies to remain neutral and avoid actions that could create perceptions of political interference.
It maintained that elected officials should promote transparency, accountability and open engagement with citizens rather than suppress opposing views.
Consequently, the coalition demanded that Abejide withdraw all pending actions against the journalist and issue an unreserved apology to Owoeye and the NUJ within 24 hours.
It warned that failure to comply would trigger coordinated media protests across the country against what it described as attempts to silence independent journalism.
The group also called on the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene, warning that incidents of this nature could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, also condemned Owoeye’s arrest.
In a statement signed by Comrade Adeiza Momojimoh, Vice President, NUJ Zone D (North Central), the union said the circumstances surrounding the arrest raise concerns about the conduct of security agencies in a democratic environment.
The union stressed the need to protect press freedom and uphold constitutional rights as guaranteed under Nigerian law.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from Hon. Abejide regarding the allegations and demands by the coalition.
