The Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has condemned the arrest and assault of Agence France-Presse journalist John Okunyomih by security operatives during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the council’s secretary, Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described the act as a gross violation of press freedom and a direct attack on democracy.
Reports showed that Okunyomih was manhandled by armed soldiers and policemen while covering the protest near the Unity Fountain. His camera and other work tools were also damaged.
Another journalist, Tony Ailemen of Business Day newspaper, had his car damaged when an officer reportedly fired a teargas canister directly at his vehicle. “They destroyed the back shield of my car. They actually fired teargas directly at it,” he said in a message shared on the NUJ’s official platform.
The council called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Dantawaye Miller, to investigate the incident and sanction those involved.
“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duty is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” the statement said.
The NUJ also demanded the immediate replacement of the damaged camera and other professional tools, saying such action would discourage future attacks on media workers.
It urged security agencies to respect journalists’ constitutional rights to cover public events freely and without intimidation, in line with international press freedom standards.
While confirming that Okunyomih had been released, the NUJ reiterated its call for accountability. “We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police to call his officers to order and ensure civility when dealing with journalists performing their statutory duties,” it said.
