DELE ATUNBI Consultation Team Condemns Arrest Of Journalists, Criticises Detention Duration

…Says, Press Freedom Under Threat

The DELE ATUNBI 2024 NUJ Presidential Aspirant Consultation Team has issued a strong condemnation of the arrest and ongoing detention of Comrade Seun Odunlami, a journalist based in Ogun State.

The team emphasized that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) clearly defines the allowable duration for detention, highlighting that the laws concerning libel and slander are both well-defined and unambiguous.

Investigations by the team revealed that Comrade Seun Odunlami was arrested alongside other journalists – Precious Eze (Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, News Platform), Olawale Rotimi (Managing Director, National Monitor), and Rowland Olonishuwa (Editor, News Hob Mag!) – by security operatives in September.

The continued detention of these journalists in Lagos, beyond the legally stipulated timeframe, has drawn criticism from the team, which views this as a serious violation of their rights.

The arrests were reportedly made in connection with allegations of cyberstalking and false publications concerning Mr. Segun Agbaje, the CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC.

The team characterized the prolonged detention as an attack on press freedom and a deliberate effort to suppress the free flow of information from the media to the public.

While urging NUJ members to stay calm and focused, the team demands the immediate and unconditional release of the detained journalists, reaffirming that journalism is not a crime and that journalists should not be intimidated in fulfilling their constitutional duties.

The DELE ATUNBI Consultation Team assured that the safety and well-being of NUJ members nationwide remain a priority, pledging to protect them from molestation, harassment, or intimidation while carrying out their roles.

The team reaffirms its commitment to promoting press freedom and protecting journalists across Nigeria and beyond.