AMDF demands release of journalist Segun Olatunji as Tinubu mum
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Bola Tinubu remains mum in the Villa despite appeals for him to walk his talk about upholding the Constitution by securing the release of FirstNews Editor Segun Olatunji who has been detained since March 15 after his abduction by soldiers.
Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has noted the disturbing development and sought the immediate release of the journalist who was picked up from his home in Lagos by unidentified security agents dressed in army uniform.
AMDF, a media rights group, added its voice to those of other activities, including Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Chairman Adeleye Ajayi, Lagos State University (LASU) Professor of Journalism Akin Jimoh, Diamond Publications Chief Executive Officer Lanre Idowu, and International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.
A statement issued by AMDF Press Freedom Manager Zhiroh Jatau urged all security agencies to look into the matter and take action to ensure Olatunji regains his freedom.
“Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) received with dismay the abduction of the General Editor, FirstNews, Mr. Segun Olatunji, on Friday 15th March, 2024, the statement said.
“We spoke with his wife, Oluwatosin Alice Olatunji, his brother, Tolu Olatunji and his colleagues. From our discussions no one has a clear picture of who and why the journalist was abducted and no agency has taken responsibility for his disappearance.
“However, we have seen statements by other concerned bodies linking the abduction to a story he wrote. We can’t substantiate that, but the appearance and commando nature of the abduction appears that it is related to his journalism work.
“AMDF calls on all security agencies in Nigeria to look into the matter with utmost urgency and take all necessary actions to bring Mr. Olatunji back home safe and in full sanity.
“The trauma on the family and colleagues is devastating. There is a deep yearning to hear from Olatunji and know his whereabouts and his condition, this will answer questions raised by his family and colleagues.”
AMDF quoted Olatuju’s wife as saying, “My husband is not a troublesome man. He is just diligent in job. I most of the time ask him to take a rest but works and works. He sleeps very late and wakes up very early…..hmmmm….. This situation of his abduction is really affecting me in all areas.”
Abduction no how to redress matters about published stories
AMDF stressed that “as a press freedom organization, we emphasise that there are ways to address matters bordering on published stories by media – abduction is not one of them. Journalism has guidelines, ethics, and rules that guide the practice. In the event of a breach, there are steps to seek redress, AMDF added.
“We call on the abductors to release Olatunji and follow the path of redress if it is story-related. We also call on the abductors to respect the liberty of free speech, press freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and the Nigerian constitution, which provides for the press to operate.
“At all times, AMDF stands for press freedom.”
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Related articles:
IPI Nigeria urges Tinubu to uphold Constitution, secure release of FirstNews Editor Olatunji
Olatunji suffers from asthma, wife cries out for release of abducted FirstNews Editor
Police investigating abduction of FirstNews Editor Olatunji, to contact army
SERAP alerts, Tinubu already violating Constitution by banning journalists
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