The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the harassment and unlawful arrest of journalists across Nigeria, describing the acts as a grave abuse of power and a direct threat to democracy.
In a statement issued by its President, Alhassan Yahya on Friday, the Union condemned the detention of Ms. Azuka Ogujiuba and Mr. Nasir Hassan Yelwa by the police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ekiti, and other parts of the country.
“These actions by the police are a blatant abuse of power and a dangerous threat to our democracy. Journalists are not criminals; they are professionals with a constitutional mandate to inform the public and hold those in authority accountable,” Yahya declared.
The NUJ demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained journalists, while calling on the Inspector General of Police to launch a swift investigation into the incidents and ensure those responsible are held to account.
“The continuous targeting of journalists by security operatives is unacceptable and must stop immediately,” the statement read. “Democracy cannot survive when the press is intimidated, harassed, or treated as an enemy of the state.”
The Union also warned that any further assaults on media professionals would be strongly resisted. “The NUJ will mobilize its members nationwide and seek international solidarity to protect press freedom and the rights of journalists in Nigeria,” Yahya said.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Union emphasised its determination to defend democracy, uphold press freedom, and guarantee the safety of media practitioners. “An injury to one journalist is an injury to all,” the statement concluded.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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