This was stated in a press statement signed by Akorede Rauph Opeyemi, NUJ Assistant National Secretary on Tuesday.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists has demanded the immediate release of the Lagos-based Editor of First News and former Kaduna Bureau Chief of Punch Newspaper, Mr. Segun Olatunji, who was recently kidnapped from his residence.
This was stated in a press statement signed by Akorede Rauph Opeyemi, NUJ Assistant National Secretary on Tuesday.
He described the abduction or arrest of Segun Olatunji as a threat to press freedom in Nigeria.
Ten armed men suspected to be soldiers on Friday abducted Olatunji at his home at Iyana Odo, in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State.
His abduction is suspected to be linked to either one of two recent stories published on his online platform, titled: “Revealed: Defence Chief Running Office like Family Business – Public Interest Lawyers,” and “Exclusive: How Contractor, Company Stole N100bn, Laundered Funds for Top Govt Officials – Investigation.”
The statement reads: “The disappearance of Segun Olatunji, the editor of First News newspapers is another sad reminder of the danger being faced on a daily basis by Journalists in the line of duty.
“Eyewitness reports had it that Olatunji was taken away last Friday in his Lagos home in the presence of his family by ten fully armed men, two of whom were dressed in military uniform.
“Although it is not clear which agency of government was responsible for the arrest of the Journalist, we believe that freedom of the press and opinion remain defining elements of the rule of law and democracy.
“For this reason, it is important for the Nigerian government to work to protect freedom of the press and freedom of movement for media professionals.
“Actions like this are clearly unacceptable and are an attempt to intimidate journalists and force them into self-censorship. The professional work of Journalists is clearly in the public interest, and acts of impunity against them should not be condoned.
“Olatunji should be released immediately and unconditionally in the interest of democracy, good governance and the rule of law.”
The International Press Centre’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ) has also demanded the immediate release of Olatunji.