The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into an incident where thugs harassed journalists from News Central TV.
This happened while the journalists were covering the #EndBadGovernance protests in Ojota, Lagos.
Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident on X on Tuesday.
News Central TV shared a video showing thugs forcing their correspondent, Bernard Akede, and his camera crew to leave the area where they were reporting.
In the video, the thugs are seen pushing the crew members as they tried to get to their vehicle. Akede explained that his team was initially asked to move from the Freedom Park, a popular protest location, by the police. They later moved to another location but were still harassed by thugs.
Hundeyin stated, “The Commissioner of Police @LagosPoliceNG, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into this incident. He mandated the investigating team to find the miscreants and ensure they are prosecuted.”
News Central TV’s Managing Director, Kayode Akintemi, led the crew to file an official complaint at the Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists has condemned the harassment of the journalists.
The NUJ’s National Secretary, Achike Chude, said, “These acts were carried out by both state and non-state actors.”
The NUJ stated, “Despite these condemnable acts, journalists will neither be cowed nor deterred from carrying out their responsibilities.”
They also reported other incidents of journalist harassment, including attacks on journalists in Calabar and Abuja.
The NUJ called for a thorough investigation and a public apology from those responsible. They also requested compensation for lost or damaged journalist equipment.
The ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, from August 1-10, 2024, address issues like high living costs and rising food prices.
