Kwara NUJ Condemns Arrest of Journalist by Special Police Squad, Demands Immediate Release

The Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the arrest of Mr. Rowland Olonishuwa, a prominent journalist and member of the Herald Chapel, by detectives from the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Police, Lagos.

Olonishuwa was forcefully taken from his residence along Asa-Dam Road, Ilorin, on the morning of Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Council's Secretary, Mahmood Olayinka Alaya, on behalf of the Chairman, the NUJ expressed deep concern over the manner in which the arrest was carried out, describing it as a violation of Olonishuwa's fundamental human rights and an act of intimidation.

The NUJ condemned the secretive nature of the arrest, pointing out that the failure to notify the Kwara State Police Command breached standard legal procedures.

The Council expressed its alarm over what appears to be a growing trend of intimidation against journalists, noting that similar arrests had been reported in Lagos and Abeokuta, involving other publishers.

"In response, the Kwara NUJ Council has informed the leadership of the Lagos State NUJ Council, seeking immediate intervention. We demand the swift release of Mr. Olonishuwa and an explanation from Lagos-based security operatives regarding their involvement in an arrest outside their jurisdiction," the statement added.

The Council also expressed solidarity with Olonishuwa’s family, assuring them of continued support and a commitment to securing his release through all available legal channels. The arrest is reportedly linked to a recent story published on online news platforms, although the specifics remain unclear.

The Kwara NUJ reaffirmed its dedication to protecting press freedom and the safety of journalists, calling on the Nigeria Police Force to address the situation urgently. "The press is a vital pillar of democracy, not an enemy of the state.

This violation of journalistic rights must be taken seriously to preserve the trust between the public, the press, and law enforcement agencies," the statement concluded.