INGRA Condemns Arrest, Detention of Kogi Reports Editor, Demands Respect for Press Freedom, Rule of Law
The Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) strongly condemns the reported arrest and detention of Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, Editor of Kogi Reports, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State.
The incident, as reported in the media, is not only disturbing but also unacceptable in a democratic society. The media has a constitutional and civic responsibility to inform the public, ask questions, report on issues of public interest, and hold institutions and public officials accountable. Any action that intimidates journalists or discourages independent reporting threatens press freedom, freedom of expression, and democratic accountability.
INGRA recognizes the important role of security agencies in maintaining law and order. However, security agencies must carry out their duties strictly within the limits of the Constitution, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. No security agency should be used, or allow itself to be used, as a tool for personal, political, or institutional intimidation.
We are particularly concerned that the matter leading to the journalists arrest appears to involve a publication and issues that ordinarily fall within the realm of civil action. When any individual, public office holder, institution, or organization feels defamed, injured, or believes their rights have been infringed, the appropriate and lawful path is to seek redress in the courts of law. Resorting to arrest, detention, intimidation, or the use of the state security apparatus in such matters is wrong, dangerous, and capable of taking our democracy back to dark periods when state power was used to silence citizens and the media.
The actions of the NSCDC officers involved in this incident are reprehensible, unacceptable, and condemnable. INGRA calls on the Kogi State Government and NSCDC leadership to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and treatment of Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye and to ensure that all officers who engaged in unlawful or abusive conduct are held accountable.
Nigeria must not return to a period when individuals use state institutions to intimidate citizens, suppress criticism, or infringe on constitutionally guaranteed rights. Public officeholders and influential people must understand that democracy entails scrutiny. The media must not be sacrificed to please anyone, no matter how highly placed.
INGRA therefore calls for:
1. A full, transparent investigation into the NSCDC’s arrest and treatment of Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye in Kogi State.
2. Immediate disciplinary action against any officer found to have acted unlawfully.
3. A clear public commitment from the NSCDC and other security agencies in Kogi State to respect press freedom, freedom of expression, human rights, and due process.
4. Protection for journalists, media organizations, civil society actors, whistleblowers, and citizens who lawfully exercise their right to speak, report, question, and demand accountability.
5. Greater respect for the courts as the appropriate forum for resolving civil claims, including those involving alleged defamation or infringement of rights.
INGRA reminds all security agencies that their duty is to protect the people, uphold the Constitution, and defend democratic order. They must not become instruments for silencing voices, settling personal scores, or shielding public actors from scrutiny.
We stand in solidarity with Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, Kogi Reports, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the entire media community in Kogi State and Nigeria. We call on all democratic actors, civil society organizations, professional bodies, and citizens to continue defending freedom of expression, media freedom, and the rule of law.
A free press is not an enemy of government. A free press is a pillar of democracy.
Executive Director
Hamza Aliyu
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