After enduring nearly two weeks in captivity, Segun Olatunji, the Editor of FirstNews, has been freed by military authorities. Olatunji was abducted from his home in Lagos State on March 15, 2024, by armed men in military uniform.

The release of Olatunji follows sustained pressure from media stakeholders and international organizations. Yomi Odunuga of The Nation newspaper and Iyobosa Uwugiaren of Thisday Newspaper received Olatunji in Abuja on Thursday. They were tasked with ensuring Olatunji’s availability if needed in the future.

The International Press Institute, the Nigeria Guild of Editors, and Olatunji’s employers had in separate statements, faulted his incarceration, asking authorities to either release the editor or charge him to court.

Olatunji’s abduction had drawn widespread condemnation, with concerns raised about his safety and the rule of law. The International Press Institute had traced Olatunji to the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency, an agency under the command of Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who reports to the Chief of Defence Staff.

Recalling the events leading to Olatunji’s abduction, armed men stormed his residence in Lagos and forcibly took him away without providing any information regarding his whereabouts or the reason for his detention.

The management of First News suspected it was linked to investigative reports published by the news platform such as; ‘Revealed: Defence Chief running office like family business – Public Interest Lawyers,’ and “EXCLUSIVE: How contractor, company stole N100bn, laundered funds for top govt officials – Investigation,’ was later pulled down by the medium.”

Media stakeholders are expected to address journalists in Abuja to provide further details on Olatunji’s release and the implications of his ordeal.