ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised an alarm over what it describes as the “unlawful arrest and detention” of its Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, by the Police Area Commander of Zone 2, Abeokuta, ACP Ogundele Olorunwa.
The incident, which has sparked outrage within the union, allegedly occurred after Adigun sought police assistance to address a public nuisance around the NUJ Secretariat in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
According to Adigun, his ordeal began when he called the police to intervene against individuals, particularly ladies of the night, who had persistently turned the vicinity of the secretariat into a hub of indecent activity. Instead of receiving help, he claims he became a target of intimidation.
Upon arriving at the police station and identifying himself, Adigun alleged that ACP Olorunwa turned on him, accusing him of sharing a Facebook post by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) that referenced the officer’s name.
“I was arrested for doing the right thing,” Adigun stated. “Instead of helping to maintain order, the Area Commander used his position to settle a personal score. He detained me for hours, questioned my social media activities, and forced me to write a statement — all because I had once shared a legitimate news story about him. This is not policing; this is vendetta.”
In a strongly-worded statement, the Ogun NUJ Chairman, Comrade ‘Wale Olanrewaju, condemned the Area Commander’s actions as “unlawful, vindictive, and unbecoming of a senior law enforcement officer.”
The union revealed that ACP Olorunwa already has a pending case before the CDHR, a fact it says raises serious concerns about his professional integrity.
“This is a disturbing pattern of misconduct that cannot be ignored. Our Secretary sought police support to address a public nuisance, only to be detained because of a personal grudge. It is a disgraceful abuse of office,” the union’s statement read.
The council has called on the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, to launch an immediate investigation into the incident. It demanded that ACP Olorunwa be queried and face appropriate disciplinary action.
Emphasising its zero-tolerance for the intimidation of journalists, the NUJ warned that such actions undermine press freedom and the rule of law.
“We hold the police in high regard and enjoy a cordial working relationship with officers of integrity in Ogun State. However, the actions of one errant officer must not be allowed to tarnish the image of the entire force,” the statement continued. “Ogun NUJ stands firmly with Comrade Bunmi Adigun and will pursue this matter until justice is served.”
As of the time of this report, the Police Command has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
