The International Press Centre’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), has demanded the immediate release of the Lagos-based Editor of First News and former Kaduna Bureau Chief of Punch Newspaper, Mr. Segun Olatunji, reportedly kidnapped from his residence.
The IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, in a statement said that available information indicated that Olatunji was whisked away from his residence in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos State by armed men suspected to be soldiers on Friday.
Akinjiyan stated that the report said that “The management of the online Newspaper linked his abduction to a recent story published by FirstNews titled, “Revealed: Defence Chief running office like family business – Public Interest Lawyers,” published by many other online platforms.”
Akinjiyan said that a former colleague of Olatunji stated that, “Ten armed men, some dressed in military uniform stormed the residence a few minutes past 6pm on Friday and took him away, without any information as to where they were taking him to or his offence.”
He said that “I-CSPJ is deeply worried about this development more so as Segun Olatunji’s whereabouts remain unknown as at the time of issuing this press release.
“I-CSPJ is demanding the immediate release of Segun Olatunji while in the alternative he should be charged to court if he has committed any offence.
“I-CSPJ condemns this approach in its totality and reiterates the need to always follow the rule of law and constitutional means of seeking redress in the face of any perceived grievances.”
