Gunmen believed to be soldiers have abducted Segun Olatunji, the Editor of FirstNews, from his home in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba, Lagos State. Olatunji, a former Kaduna Bureau Chief of The PUNCH, was reportedly targeted due to a recent article published on his online platform titled: “Revealed: Defence Chief Running Office like Family Business – Public Interest Lawyers.” The abduction occurred last Friday and has caused concern among the newspaper's staff.
The online medium's management suggested that Olatunji's abduction could be linked to another article titled, “Exclusive: How Contractor, Company Stole N100bn, Laundered Funds for Top Govt Officials – Investigation,” which was later removed from the website. The incident has left the newspaper's staff anxious and worried about Olatunji's safety.
Describing the abduction, Olatunji's wife, Abiodun Olatunji, recounted that around 6 pm, armed men numbering 10 arrived at their residence, seized his phone, and took him away in a van without disclosing their destination. Despite their efforts, the armed men refused to reveal Olatunji's alleged offense or where they were taking him.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Publisher of FirstNews, confirmed the incident, expressing concern over Olatunji's disappearance. He mentioned that there has been no communication with Olatunji since his abduction, and his phone has been unreachable. Iworiso-Markson condemned the manner in which Olatunji was taken, emphasizing that he was never formally invited for questioning regarding any national security issue.
