IPI Nigeria Urges President Tinubu to Secure Release of Abducted Editor Segun Olatunji

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the case of abducted FirstNews Editor, Segun Olatunji, who was taken from his Lagos home 12 days ago by armed men in military-style uniforms.

IPI Nigeria is urging the president to use his powers as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to order the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to secure the release of the journalist, who is believed to be in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Multiple checks by IPI have revealed that Olatunji is being held by the DIA, an agency under the command of Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who reports to Chief of Defence Staff General Musa.

The journalist has been kept incommunicado for the past 11 days, with his family, employers, and colleagues unaware of his whereabouts.

IPI Nigeria has received inquiries about this matter from all over the world and has contacted various Nigerian authorities, including the Nigerian Army, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Defence Headquarters, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, seeking information on Mr Olatunji and demanding his release.

The international community should pay close attention to the unjust detention of Mr. Olatunji by the Nigerian military, as it contradicts the rule of law and the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which forbids the detention of any citizen or resident beyond 48 hours, except with a valid court order.

IPI is reminding the Nigerian authorities that upholding human rights is crucial for maintaining a positive standing in the international community.

Keeping a citizen beyond the period allowed by the Constitution will only worsen Nigeria’s reputation.

IPI Nigeria is urging President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian military authorities to immediately release Mr Olatunji or charge him in court if he has committed any offence.

The international community should also pay attention to the unjust detention of Mr. Olatunji and hold the Nigerian military accountable for their actions.