From Suleiman Abubakar
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and secure the release of Mr. Segun Olatunji, the Editor of FirstNews, who was allegedly abducted by the military last Friday.
Mr. Olatunji's abduction, which occurred at his residence in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos, saw him being taken away by 10 armed men. As of now, his whereabouts remain unknown, causing distress to his family and colleagues.
In a statement signed by IPI Nigeria's President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, the organization emphasized that Mr. Olatunji's prolonged detention without charge constitutes a serious violation of his fundamental human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Despite efforts by IPI Nigeria to engage with security agencies for his immediate release, there has been no positive response.
The organization is now urging President Tinubu, who pledged to uphold the Constitution in his inaugural speech, to intervene and ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.
The situation has raised concerns about press freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria, prompting calls for swift action to resolve the matter and uphold the rights of journalists to operate without fear of intimidation or harassment.
