Press Freedom: IPC Decries Arrest Of Osun NUJ Secretary, Demands Immediate Apology

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned the detention of the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Olalekan Akindoju, by police operatives in Osogbo, Osun State.

According to the IPC, Akindoju was arrested at his residence in the early hours of Thursday, June 11, 2026, and detained for several hours before being released.

Speaking with the Press Freedom Officer of the IPC-SPJ Hub, Akindoju said the incident occurred around 6 a.m. when armed policemen allegedly stormed his residence, arrested him, and confiscated his mobile phone without providing any explanation.

“They invaded my residence around 6 a.m., arrested me and seized my phone without any valid explanation. All attempts to identify myself as a journalist failed, as they refused to listen to me or allow me to contact anyone,” he said.

Akindoju added that he was detained for nearly five hours before regaining his freedom following the intervention of colleagues and the NUJ. According to him, the police later described the arrest as a case of mistaken identity.

Reacting to the incident, Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, described the arrest and detention as unacceptable and urged the police to exercise greater diligence before carrying out arrests, particularly when journalists are involved.

“This incident is highly condemnable. The police must ensure proper verification of intelligence and information before initiating arrests, especially when such actions affect journalists carrying out their professional duties,” Arogundade said.

The SPJ Hub reiterated the need to protect press freedom and end all forms of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of journalists in Nigeria.

The organization also called on the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, to issue an official apology to Akindoju and conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while ensuring that officers found culpable are held accountable.

The IPC-SPJ Hub noted that respect for journalists’ rights and adherence to due process remain essential to safeguarding press freedom and strengthening democratic governance in the country.