NUJ Kicks As GTB CEO Arrest, Detains Journalists In Lagos

There has been an outcry from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the arrest of four journalists allegedly by Segun Agbaje, CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC.

It was learnt that an Ogun State-based journalist, along with three other journalists in Lagos were arrested and detained following allegations of cyberstalking and false publications concerning the GTBank CEO.

Those arrested alongside Odunlami include Precious Eze, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of News Platform, Olawale Rotimi, Managing Director of National Monitor, and Rowland Olonishuwa, Editor of News Hob Mag.

Speaking on the incident in a statement seen by Osun Defender on Wednesday, the Dele Atunbi 2024 NUJ Presidential Aspirant Consultation Team condemned the arrest of the journalists.

The Consultation Team expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the journalists, which exceeds the legally stipulated timeframe under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

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They labeled the situation a serious violation of their rights, calling it an attack on press freedom and an attempt to stifle media efforts to inform the public.

In their statement, the team urged members of the NUJ to remain calm and focused while demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the detained journalists.

They emphasized that journalism is not a crime and condemned any form of intimidation against journalists performing their constitutional duties.

The team reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of journalists across Nigeria, vowing to continue promoting press freedom and protecting journalists from harassment or intimidation.