After nearly a fortnight in custody, Mr. Segun Olatunji, Editor of First News Online Newspaper, has been released by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
He was handed over to Mr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and Mr. Yomi Odunuga, Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) of THE NATION Newspapers, beneath a bridge in Asokoro, Abuja. The security personnel involved remained masked, and their vehicle number plates concealed.
All release documents were signed within a security vehicle, accompanied by heavily armed operatives, on Thursday morning, March 28, 2024. Upon inquiry by the NGE representatives, one security personnel cited “terrorism” as the reason for Olatunji’s arrest.
Approximately two weeks after his abduction, the Federal Government confirmed Olatunji’s location, stating that he was held at a detention facility owned by the DIA. Plans were announced to secure his immediate release.
The news of his impending release was conveyed to FirstNews Publisher, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, via phone on Wednesday night. Iworiso-Markson described the circumstances of Olatunji’s detention as unfortunate, noting the delay in informing the Minister of his arrest. However, upon learning of the situation, Idris took action by reaching out to relevant security agencies.
Idris, along with National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, made efforts to secure Olatunji’s release from the military, who initially denied custody. Eventually, they acknowledged his detention by the DIA, under the command of Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye.
Assurances of Olatunji’s freedom were also provided by the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba.
Iworiso-Markson highlighted the role of media pressure and public outcry in advocating for Olatunji’s release, referencing the recent press release by the International Press Institute (IPI), which implicated the DIA in Olatunji’s abduction.
As Olatunji’s family and management eagerly await his release, Iworiso-Markson called for reflection on how government institutions, like the military, can undermine the positive relationship with the media and citizens that the President Bola Tinubu administration has been striving to build over the past ten months.
