The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has issued a plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene with the security agencies to secure the release of Mr. Segun Olatunji, Editor of FirstNews, who was allegedly abducted by the military last Friday.
In a statement released by IPI Nigeria, signed by President Musikilu Mojeed and Legal Adviser Tobi Soniyi, it was emphasized that Mr. Olatunji’s continued detention constitutes a grave violation of his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“He is entitled to his freedom. However, if he is suspected of wrongdoing, he should be presented before a court of law in accordance with constitutional provisions,” the statement read.
The incident occurred on Friday when Mr. Olatunji was reportedly seized from his residence in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos, by 10 armed individuals. Olatunji, formerly a correspondent for The Punch in Kaduna State, has since remained in custody, sparking concerns and calls for his immediate release.