The Nigeria Union of Journalists has condemned the unlawful arrest and assault of Agence France-Presse journalist, John Okunyomih, by security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
In a statement, NUJ FCT Council Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described the arrest and harassment as “a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.”
Okunyomih was reportedly manhandled by armed soldiers and policemen who damaged his professional camera and other equipment while he was covering the protest.
The NUJ has demanded an immediate investigation into the incident, calling on the Inspector-General of Police and FCT Commissioner of Police to identify and sanction the officers responsible.
“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duty is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” the statement said.
The union has also urged authorities to replace Okunyomih’s damaged camera and other work tools, stressing that such compensation would serve as a deterrent against future attacks on media professionals.
