The Editor of FirstNews Newspaper, Mr. Segun Olatunji, has claimed that his recent abduction and detention are connected to his journalistic work.
According to Vanguard, Mr Olatunji who was released in the hours of Thursday March 28, 2024 disclosed that while in detention, interrogations focused on specific stories published by FirstNews, especially those criticizing the Chief of Defense Intelligence and the Chief of Staff to the President.
The editor who spent almost 12 days in custody also stated that his phones were seized. After a blindfolded journey, he found himself handcuffed, both hands and feet, and stripped of his belongings in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
During his detention, Mr. Olatunji experienced physical discomfort due to excessively tight handcuffs, which led to numbness in his right hand and leg.
He said, “The first story was an accusation against the Chief of Defense Intelligence. I informed them that it was a general story, and they did not say much about it.
“They also inquired about a story we published regarding the Chief of Staff to the President.
“This was the major issue. This is why I had mentioned to some people earlier that those responsible for my arrest were individuals in the corridors of power, suggesting that these stories were the reason for my detention.
“It was evident that certain individuals in positions of power were unhappy with the work being done by FirstNews,” he stated.
Mr. Olatunji’s wife, who witnessed the abduction, described the fear and confusion she felt as armed men took her husband from their home.
While the Publisher of FirstNews, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, and Mr. Olatunji’s colleagues and family endured days of uncertainty, the International Press Institute the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigeria Union of Journalists diligently worked to locate Mr. Olatunji, confronting various government and security agencies.
Their efforts met with denials until a press statement by the IPI and subsequent pressure on military officials led to Mr. Olatunji’s admission and release.
