IPC’S Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), is demanding the immediate release of the Editor of First News and former Kaduna Bureau Chief of Punch Newspaper, Mr. Segun Olatunji.

Information reaching the I-CSPJ indicates that Segun Olatunji was whisked away from his residence in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos State by armed men suspected to be soldiers on Friday, March 15, 2024.

“The management of the online Newspaper linked his abduction to a recent story published by FirstNews titled, ‘Revealed: Defence Chief running office like family business – Public Interest Lawyers,’ published by many other online platforms,” the report stated.

Speaking with the Press Freedom Officer of IPC, Melody Akinjiyan, a former colleague of Segun Olatunji stated that, “ ten(10) armed men, some dressed in military uniform stormed the residence few minutes past 6 pm on Friday 15th March and took him away, without any information as to where they were taking him to or his offense.”

I-CSPJ is deeply worried about this development more so as Segun Olatunji’s whereabouts remain unknown as at the time of issuing this press release.

I-CSPJ is demanding the immediate release of Segun Olatunji or in the alternative let him be charged to court if he has committed any offence.

I-CSPJ condemns this approach in its totality and reiterates the need to always follow the rule of law and constitutional means of seeking redress in the face of any perceived grievances.

Melody Akinjiyan is the Press Freedom Officer, at International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Nigeria, (IPC)
melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org