FCT NUJ Condemns Assault and Arrest of AFP Journalist During #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest in Abuja
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the unlawful arrest and assault of Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist, Mr. John Okunyomih, by security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on Monday in Abuja.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, and obtained by Akahi News, the NUJ described the incident as “a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.”
According to Akahi News, the protest, which held near the Unity Fountain, turned chaotic when security operatives deployed to the scene allegedly assaulted journalists covering the demonstration.
AFP Journalist Assaulted, BusinessDay Reporter’s Car Damaged
Reports reaching Akahi News revealed that Mr. Okunyomih was manhandled by armed soldiers and policemen who attacked him while filming protesters demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Eyewitnesses said the journalist’s camera and other professional equipment were damaged during the assault.
Similarly, BusinessDay’s senior reporter, Tony Ailemen, narrowly escaped harm when a policeman fired a teargas canister directly at his vehicle, shattering the rear windshield.
“They destroyed the back shield of my car. They actually fired teargas directly at my car,” Ailemen lamented in a message shared on the NUJ’s official platform, according to Akahi News.
NUJ Demands Investigation and Sanctions
The FCT NUJ Council, through its statement, demanded an immediate investigation into the assault and called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller, to identify and punish the officers responsible.
“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duty is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” the statement read.
The NUJ also urged authorities to replace Mr. Okunyomih’s damaged equipment and compensate the affected journalists, noting that such action would serve as a deterrent against future attacks.
Akahi News Calls for Protection of Journalists
Reacting to the incident, Akahi News reiterates the urgent need for Nigerian security agencies to respect press freedom and uphold democratic values. The continuous targeting of journalists during peaceful protests, according to observers, undermines the country’s human rights record and damages its global image.
Media stakeholders who spoke to Akahi News emphasised that freedom of the press remains a cornerstone of democracy, urging the federal government to ensure such violations never recur.
“Without press freedom, democracy is crippled. Journalists must be protected, not punished, for reporting the truth,” one senior media analyst told Akahi News.
As at the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force and the Defence Headquarters had yet to issue official responses to the NUJ’s condemnation.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments on this story and provide updates as new details emerge.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
Akahi News
http://www.akahinews.org
Categories: News
