The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has demanded for immediate apology and prosecution of the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives that allegedly maltreatment Oluwagbemiga Olamikan, a photojournalist with the Vanguard newspaper.
The Centre while expressing concern over the alleged maltreatment of the Journalist , described the occurrence as another indication that journalists’ rights and press freedom are ceaselessly being disregarded in the country.
The DSS operatives was alleged to prevented some reporters from covering the trial of some supporters of Sunday Adeyemo, a youth leader better known as Sunday Igboho.
Oluwagbemiga Olamikan was reportedly assaulted at the said trial which took place at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday August 2nd, 2021.
In a statement by the Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, IPC said: “This occurrence is another indication that journalists’ rights and press freedom are ceaselessly being disregarded in the country.
“Journalists are legitimately authorised to carry out their duties without interference and their harassment in the course of duty in a matter of immense public interest is appalling and unacceptable”, the statement said
Mr. Arogundade said IPC is demanding immediate investigation and prosecution of the security operatives responsible for the assault to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to engage in similar act of brutality.
“An unreserved apology should be tendered to Mr. Olamikan while he should be well compensated”, he said.
