NUJ condemns harassment, arrest of Journalists, demands immediate release

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the harassment and unlawful arrests of journalists across the country, including Ms. Azuka Ogujiuba and Mr. Nasir Hassan Yelwa, by police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti, and other states.

In a statement signed by its President, Alhassan Yahya, the Union described the actions of the police as a blatant abuse of power and a grave threat to democracy.

It stressed that journalists are professionals with a constitutional duty to inform the public and hold leaders accountable, not criminals to be persecuted.

The NUJ demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained journalists and called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to book.

“Democracy cannot survive when the press is intimidated, harassed, or treated as an enemy of the state,” the statement read.

The Union also warned that any further assault on the media would be met with strong resistance, noting that it would mobilize members nationwide and seek international solidarity to defend press freedom and protect the rights of journalists in Nigeria.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguard democracy and ensure the safety of all media practitioners, the NUJ declared: “An injury to one journalist is an injury to all.”