IPI Nigeria urges Tinubu to uphold Constitution, secure release of Olatunji detained by the army
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
President Bola Tinubu has been implored by the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria to prevail on the security agencies to produce FirstNews Segun Olatunji who was abducted from his home nearly two weeks ago.
Tinubu in his inaugural speech on 29 May 2023 promised to uphold the Constitution and IPI Nigeria stressed this case is an opportunity for him to walk his talk.
Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Chairman Adeleye Ajayi has also criticised Olatunji’s abduction and demanded his release, as did Lagos State University (LASU) Professor of Journalism Akin Jimoh and Diamond Publications Chief Executive Officer Lanre Idowu.
A statement jointly issued by IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed and Legal Adviser Tobi Soniyi said “the continued detention of Mr Olatunji under whatever guise is a gross violation of his fundamental human rights under the Nigerian Constitution.
“He is entitled to his personal liberty. If, however, he has committed an offence, he should be charged to court as provided for by the Constitution.”
Olatunji previously worked as Kaduna State correspondent of The PUNCH and his wife told the newspaper last week that 10 armed men, some of them in army uniform, invaded their home in the Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos on March 15 and took him away.
Oluwatosin, 53, a mother of five, said nothing has been heard of his whereabouts since then.
Olatunji’s abduction is reportedly connected with a recent story published by FirstNews with the headline, “Revealed: Defence Chief running office like family business – Public Interest Lawyers.”
The story was also published by many other online platforms.
No security agency has owned up to holding Olatunji and his family, friends, and professional colleagues remain under apprehension.
Before issuing this statement, IPI Nigeria disclosed it had reached out to security agencies demanding the immediate his release without a positive response.
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SERAP alerts, Tinubu already violating Constitution by banning journalists
Nigerians! hold Tinubu ‘personally responsible’ if I’m killed, Hundeyin cries out
Hundeyin tells UN Council, Tinubu has attempted to abduct him from Ghana
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