The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, has not yet addressed the abduction of Kayode Jaiyeola, a photojournalist for The PUNCH, by its officials, who also confiscated his camera and phones.
Several days have passed with no attempt to return Jaiyeola’s equipment, either to him or to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. This has heightened concerns about the aggressive tactics used by security forces against journalists covering ongoing protests.
Jaiyeola’s efforts to retrieve his belongings, including multiple visits to the NSA office, have been unsuccessful. Security personnel at the gate denied him entry despite his explanations.
On Thursday, Jaiyeola was detained by security officials while documenting the #EndBadGovernance protest at Eagles Square in Abuja. Although he presented his official ID, he was roughly handled and detained. He was subsequently taken to the FCT Police Command and held without any charges or contact with his office or family.
FCT Command spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed that Jaiyeola was brought to the command by NSA officials but noted that his belongings were not left behind. “We didn’t arrest him; he was brought from the NSA office. He was told to go, but he claimed his phone and gadgets are with those who brought him. We are working to help him retrieve them,” Adeh stated.
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) has condemned the use of excessive force against journalists. On August 3, 2024, several journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja were shot at by hooded security agents. Though they avoided injury, their vehicle was damaged.
The IPI expressed serious concern over the shooting, which occurred shortly after the Chief of Defence Staff criticized journalists for their coverage of the protests. IPI President Musikilu Mojeed and Legal Adviser Tobi Soniyi have called for an immediate investigation into the shooting and accountability for the officers involved, who are reportedly from the police and the State Security Service.
The IPI stressed the importance of allowing journalists to perform their duties without fear of interference or intimidation. “Attacking journalists is an assault on democracy. We demand a thorough investigation into the shooting and accountability for those responsible. The media must be able to operate freely and without threat,” the IPI stated.