The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the alleged abduction of one of its members, Seun Odunlami, by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.
In a statement signed by the council’s Secretary, Bunmi Adigun, on Thursday, the NUJ described the incident as unlawful and shocking. Odunlami was reportedly whisked away by plain-clothed officers on Wednesday near the union’s secretariat in Abeokuta.
Eyewitnesses stated that Odunlami was handcuffed and thrown into an unmarked bus after leaving Providus Bank, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta. His phones were turned off, and his location remains unknown.
The NUJ has demanded the immediate release of Odunlami and called for an investigation into the police’s actions. The council emphasized that such an arrest violates the fundamental rights of journalists.
“This act, reminiscent of Gestapo tactics, threatens the fabric of press freedom in Nigeria,” the NUJ statement said. The union also urged relevant authorities to intervene and ensure the safe return of their colleague.
Odunlami’s family and colleagues are said to be distraught, with the NUJ affirming its support for them while advocating for justice.
