Rita Odafe
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has addressed misinformation regarding the alleged arrest of photojournalist Jide Oyekunle during a protest in Abuja.
Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent, was reportedly taken in by FCT police during the hunger protest, but the police claim he was actually escorted to safety, not arrested.
FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, stated that Oyekunle was moved to a secure location after he refused to relocate despite warnings, as the situation grew tense.
A press release from the police discredited rumors of Oyekunle’s arrest, emphasizing their responsibility to ensure the safety of all individuals amidst the ongoing protest activities near Eagle Square in Abuja.
The demonstrations in Abuja have escalated, prompting the use of teargas by authorities to disband protesters advancing towards Eagle Square.
Additionally, journalist Yakubu Mohammed from Premium Times was allegedly assaulted by law enforcement officers in Abuja during the same period.
Reports suggest that Yakubu Mohammed was physically confronted with guns and batons, resulting in head injuries. He was subsequently apprehended and briefly held in a police vehicle near the Head of Service Building in the Secretariat area of Abuja.
