A few hours after the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) condemned the arrest, detention and alleged harassment of Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub and former journalist with ThisDay newspapers, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Guild of Editors followed suit and called on the Inspector-General of Police to look into the matter
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the arrest of Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement signed by its president, Eze Anaba and general secretary Onuoha Ukeh on Thursday, the guild said the arrest, harassment and intimidation of Ogujiuba and other journalists over their coverage of court cases amounted to attempts to silence the media.
The NGE called on the inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, to halt the harassment of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.
“We urge the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and respect the media’s constitutional right to hold those in authority accountable,” the statement said.
The guild also expressed concern about the safety of journalists globally, citing the killings of five journalists in Gaza by Israeli forces.
It said targeting journalists in conflict zones is a violation of international law and called for investigations and accountability.
The NGE reaffirmed its support for journalists in Nigeria and abroad, stating that it will continue to advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalists.