Kogi Journalist’s Detention Sparks Outrage as NUJ Demands Probe of NSCDC Actions By Raymond Enoch
The reported detention of the Editor of Kogi Reports, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sparked outrage within Nigeria’s media community, with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), demanding an immediate investigation into the actions of the security agency.
The Vice President of NUJ Zone D, Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, condemned the arrest and detention of the journalist, describing the development as a troubling attack on press freedom and a dangerous signal for democracy.
In a statement made available to journalists, Momohjimoh expressed deep concern over reports surrounding Owoeye’s arrest, noting that the circumstances raise serious questions about the role of security agencies in a democratic society and their respect for constitutionally guaranteed rights.
He warned that security institutions must never be used as instruments for settling political or personal disputes, stressing that the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC should remain professional and impartial in the discharge of its duties.
“The Kogi State Command of the NSCDC must not allow itself to be turned into a tool in the hands of aggrieved politicians or individuals seeking to settle personal or political scores,” the NUJ Vice President stated.
According to him, agencies established and funded by Nigerians are expected to operate strictly within the limits of the law and not engage in actions capable of undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.
Momohjimoh maintained that the mandate of the NSCDC does not include scrutinizing news reports, determining the correctness of journalistic content, or detaining journalists over stories concerning public officials.
He emphasized that individuals who feel aggrieved by any publication have access to legal avenues through which they can seek redress rather than resorting to the use of security agencies.
The NUJ leader further cautioned politicians and public office holders against using state-funded security apparatus to intimidate or silence journalists carrying out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public.
He noted that accountability, transparency, and freedom of expression remain critical pillars of democracy and should be protected at all times.
“The use of publicly funded security institutions to harass journalists undermines democratic values and weakens public trust in government agencies,” he said.
Describing the detention as a dangerous precedent, Momohjimoh warned that actions perceived as attempts to muzzle the media could have far-reaching consequences for press freedom and democratic governance.
Consequently, he called on the Commandant-General of the NSCDC to launch an immediate investigation into the incident and ensure that the Kogi State Command acts within the confines of its statutory responsibilities.
He also urged the leadership of the Corps to sanction any officer found to have acted outside the law or violated established professional standards.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to defending press freedom, the rule of law, and the rights of citizens, Momohjimoh urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that journalists are allowed to perform their legitimate professional duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or persecution.
The incident has renewed concerns among media stakeholders over the protection of journalists in Nigeria and the need for security agencies to respect constitutional boundaries while carrying out their responsibilities.
