IPC Demands Apology for Journalist Akindoju's Detention

The International Press Centre (IPC) condemned the detention of journalist Olalekan Akindoju by police in Osogbo, Nigeria, demanding an official apology from the police force. Akindoju was arrested on June 11, 2023, when police officers allegedly invaded his residence around 6 a.m. during a telephone conversation with the IPC's press freedom office.

The police reportedly seized his phone without providing a valid explanation and failed to allow him the opportunity to identify himself as a journalist. After being held for several hours, Akindoju regained his freedom following the intervention of colleagues from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who stated he was detained for almost five hours.

IPC's Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, criticized the police's conduct and urged security agencies to exercise caution in carrying out arrests, especially concerning journalists. The IPC called on the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and take appropriate action against any officers found culpable.