NUJ Calls for Respect of Press Freedom by NSCDC

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed concern over the arrest and detention of journalist Opeyemi Owoey by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State. In a statement, NUJ's Zone D highlighted the importance of press freedom and the role of security agencies in a democratic society.

Alhaji Momoh Jimoh, representing the union, urged the NSCDC to maintain professionalism and impartiality, stressing that their statutory responsibilities do not include determining the accuracy of journalists' reports. The union called for individuals who feel aggrieved by media reports to seek legal redress rather than resorting to intimidation.

NUJ further appealed to politicians and public office holders to refrain from using state security institutions to harass journalists. The union described the actions of the NSCDC as detrimental to press freedom and urged relevant authorities to investigate the incident, ensuring accountability and adherence to the rule of law.