IPI to Tinubu: Direct military to release abducted FirstNews editor

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, a global network of editors, media executives, and communication experts, has asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the military to release Segun Olatunji, editor of FirstNews.

On March 15, Olatunji was reportedly abducted from his home in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos, by armed men.

Since then, the journalist’s family has yet to receive any communication from his alleged abductors.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Musikilu Mojeed, IPI Nigeria president, and Tobi Soniyi, IPI legal adviser, the group said “multiple checks” reveal that Olatunji is in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), an agency under the command of Emmanuel Undiandeye, a major general, who, in turn, reports to Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff.

IPI Nigeria urged Tinubu to “activate the powers of his office as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to direct the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to produce Segun Olatunji, the Editor of FirstNews, who was abducted from his home in Lagos twelve days ago”.

The group said it has received inquiries about the editor’s disappearance “from all over the world”.

“The Institute has also contacted the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Defence Headquarters, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation seeking information on Mr Olatunji and demanding his release. All efforts in this direction have so far failed,” the statement reads.

“That has triggered speculations among journalists and human rights activists around the world that the Nigerian military may be keeping some vital information away from the public concerning the journalist’s safety.”

The group asked the president to direct the military authorities to “immediately release” Olatunji or charge him in court if he has committed any offence.

The group asked the international community to “pay attention to the unjust detention” of Olatunji “by the Nigerian military”.

“The rule of law demands that an accused person is allowed to defend himself in a court of law within a reasonable time. This also conforms with the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which forbids the detention of any citizen or resident beyond 48 hours, except with a valid court order,” IPI Nigeria said.

“As a matter of urgency, the military should tell the world why Mr. Olatunji was arrested, where he is being kept, and why he has not been charged in court.

“IPI Nigeria is reminding the Nigerian authorities that when it comes to upholding human rights, Nigeria continues to rank low in the comity of nations. Keeping a citizen beyond the period allowed by the Constitution will only worsen Nigeria’s standing in the International community.”