NUJ condemns arrest, harassment of Journalist Azuka Ogujiuba

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the harassment and arrest of Ms. Azuka Ogujiuba, describing the incident as an attack on press freedom and democracy.

In a statement issued by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ said Ogujiuba’s only “offence” was her dedication to truth and professional duty. The Union expressed outrage, calling the action of security operatives a brazen attempt to silence the media.

“This is a crude assault on democracy and will be resisted by the NUJ with every legitimate means available. Intimidation tactics have no place in a civilized society,” the statement read.

The NUJ reminded security agencies of their constitutional responsibility to protect citizens rather than harass journalists. It emphasized that the continuous persecution of media practitioners in Nigeria is unacceptable, stressing that “an injury to one journalist is an injury to all.”

The Union demanded that the Inspector-General of Police order his men to desist from harassing Ogujiuba and called for an open investigation into the circumstances surrounding her arrest. It also warned security operatives against further intimidation, noting that the NUJ is prepared to rally its members nationwide and seek international solidarity to resist any attempt to gag the press.

“Journalism is not a crime.”

“The freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democracy, and any assault on it is an assault on Nigeria itself,” Abdullahi declared.