The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the arrest of one of its members, Seun Odunlami, by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command. In a statement released by the council's Secretary, Bunmi Adigun, on Thursday, the union described the arrest as “shocking and unlawful,” comparing it to the oppressive tactics employed during Nigeria’s military era.
Seun Odunlami, the publisher of *Newsjaunts* online, was reportedly arrested in a dramatic fashion on Wednesday by plain-clothed police officers near the NUJ Secretariat in Abeokuta. He was taken into custody in front of Providus Bank, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, and whisked away in an unmarked vehicle, leaving his colleagues in shock.
The NUJ’s statement read, “This unacceptable act, reminiscent of Gestapo tactics, was brazenly carried out a few meters away from the Union’s Secretariat by plain-clothed officers, in the presence of some of his colleagues, before being whisked away to an unknown destination. His phones have been switched off since the incident.”
The union demanded Odunlami’s immediate release, an explanation for his arrest, and a full investigation into the actions of the police operatives involved. They also called on the police to provide evidence of any wrongdoing if such exists.
A colleague of Odunlami, who was present during the arrest, revealed that the journalist was handcuffed and taken away by men claiming to be from the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos. However, the exact reason for his arrest remains unclear.
The Ogun State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, stated that no official report had been made regarding Odunlami’s arrest. However, they assured the public that efforts would be made to locate him.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ogun NUJ, Wale Olanrewaju, confirmed that the union has made contact with the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos, which verified that Odunlami is in their custody and may be arraigned in court soon. The NUJ remains committed to ensuring the safety and rights of journalists across Nigeria.
