CWPPF Demands Probe into Assault on Pinnacle Daily Editor

The Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged assault of Sunday Michael Ogwu, the Editor of Pinnacle Daily, by police officers during a demolition exercise in Lugbe, Abuja, on August 19. CWPPF demands disciplinary action against the officers and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) involved in the incident.

They urge Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu and the FCT Police Command to compensate Ogwu for his damaged mobile phone and medical expenses resulting from the assault, as well as to issue a public apology. According to CWPPF, Ogwu was documenting the demolition when an officer seized his phone.

After identifying himself as a journalist, he was allegedly assaulted with an electric cable for refusing to enter a police vehicle. The coalition condemned the actions of the police, stating that documenting public operations is a constitutionally protected right and that such brutality undermines Nigeria's press freedom standing.