The Editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji has been released by the Defence Intelligence Agency after almost two weeks in custody.
According to the Nation, he was released to the General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren and the Deputy Editor(Nation’s Capital) of The Nation Newspapers, Mr. Yomi Odunuga under a bridge in Asokoro.
All the documents for his release were signed inside a security vehicle with heavily armed operatives.
It would be recalled that Mr Segun was picked up in his Lagos home in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos by 10 armed men.
Since his abduction, families, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to activate the powers of his office as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to direct the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to produce Segun.
NUJ while condemning Olatunji’s abduction said it was a threat to freedom of the press.
A statement signed by the Assistant National Secretary, Akorede Opeyemi said: “The disappearance of Segun Olatunji, the editor of First News newspapers, is another sad reminder of the danger being faced daily by journalists in the line of duty.
“Eyewitness reports had it that Olatunji was taken away last Friday in his Lagos home in the presence of his family by 10 fully armed men, two of whom were dressed in military uniform.
“Although it is not clear which agency of government was responsible for the arrest of the journalist, we believe that freedom of the press and opinion remain defining elements of the rule of law and democracy.
“For this reason, the Nigerian government needs to work to protect freedom of the press and freedom of movement for media professionals. Safety and security of journalists are very important.”
Olatunji is a former Kaduna State correspondent of Punch and editor of FirstNews.
