Detained Journalist: International Press Council, Guild of Editors, Nuj vow to press charges

The International Press Council has condemned the abduction and detention of the Editor of First news Editor, Segun Olatunji, by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Olatunji, was abducted 13 days ago by men in Uniform at his residence while his whereabouts remained unknown until yesterday, when the Defence Intelligence Agency claimed he was in their custody after agitations from professional bodies.

The Editor was released to leaders of the Guild of Editors in the early hours of Thursday.

Addressing a Joint Press Conference in Abuja, President, International Press Institute, Musikilu Mojeed, alongside the Secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Iyobosa Uwugiaren and President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo, the Institute expressed dismay at the lawlessness and fear-provoking action of the Defence Intelligence Agency, an agency under the command of Major General Undiandeye, who reports directly to the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, 

The body alleged that the plan was to secretly eliminate Olatunji so that members of the public could attribute his disappearance to unknown gunmen noting that the attempt was vicious, uncivilized, unlawful and criminal in nature, which is unacceptable. 

The Union leaders maintained that the DIA’s action remain a direct attack on press freedom adding that one of the core missions of the free press is to serve as a watchdog on power. 

They however declared that Nigerians are yet to hear the last regarding the matter saying, the Nigerian media community would consult further in the next few days on the actions to take against the CDS, the CDI, and the military.

The freed Editor of the First News, Segun Olatunji, narrated his ordeal while in detention.

Credit: Galaxy TV