NUJ Zone D condemns detention of Kogi Journalist, demands probe of NSCDC actions

The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D (North Central), Adeiza Momohjimoh, has condemned the reported arrest and detention of the Editor of Kogi Reports, Opeyemi Owoeye, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Kogi State.

In a statement, Momohjimoh expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s detention, describing the development as a threat to press freedom and raising questions about the role of security agencies in a democratic society.

According to the NUJ Zone D leader, the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC must not allow itself to be used as a tool by politicians or individuals seeking to settle personal or political scores. He stressed that security agencies funded by taxpayers are expected to remain professional, impartial, and guided strictly by the law.

Momohjimoh noted that the statutory responsibilities of the NSCDC do not include scrutinising news reports, determining the accuracy of journalistic content, or detaining journalists over stories involving public office holders. He argued that individuals who feel defamed or aggrieved by media reports should seek redress through established legal channels.

The NUJ also cautioned politicians and public officials against using security agencies to harass, intimidate, or silence journalists and other citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

The union described the action of the NSCDC in Kogi State as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining press freedom and eroding public confidence in security institutions.

Consequently, the NUJ Zone D called on the Commandant-General of the NSCDC to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against any officer found to have acted outside the law or violated professional standards.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom, the rule of law, and constitutional rights, the union urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that journalists are not persecuted for carrying out their legitimate professional duties.