From JOSEPH AMEDU, Lokoja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D, has decried what it described as increasing intimidation and harassment of journalists, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to press freedom and democratic practice.
The union raised the concern at a press conference in Lokoja on Sunday, citing the arrest and detention of Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, Editor of Kogi Report, by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
NUJ Vice President, Zone D, Adeiza Momoh Jimoh, said the circumstances surrounding the detention were “grave and troubling,” and reflected a worrying trend against media practitioners in parts of the North-Central region.
“The union is particularly disturbed by allegations linking a Federal lawmaker, Leke Abejide, to the events that culminated in the arrest of the journalist,” he said.
Jimoh said disputes arising from media publications should be addressed through established institutional and legal processes rather than security agencies.
“His alleged resort to law enforcement agencies as instruments of intimidation and harassment against a journalist has no place in a democratic society,” he said.
He also faulted reports that NSCDC officials allegedly required approval from the lawmaker before granting bail to the journalist, describing it as inconsistent with due process.
“No individual, regardless of status or political office, should be placed above the law or be allowed to exercise authority over the constitutional powers and responsibilities of security agencies,” he said.
The NUJ commended the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kogi State for what it described as professional handling of media-related complaints, urging other security agencies to adopt similar standards.
“The current leadership of the agency has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the role of the media in a democratic society,” he said.
The union warned that continued hostility toward journalists could trigger stronger action from the profession, including restrictions on coverage of implicated agencies.
“An injury to one journalist is an injury to the entire profession,” Jimoh said.
It called on authorities to respect press freedom, uphold due process, and ensure that disputes involving journalists are handled within the framework of the law.