Ogun NUJ Condemns Police Commander Over ‘Illegal Detention’ of Union Secretary

ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has vehemently condemned the alleged illegal detention of its Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, by the Police Area Commander of Zone 2, Abeokuta, ACP Ogundele Olorunwa.

In a strongly-worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Union described the incident as a “brazen abuse of power” and a violation of human rights, calling for immediate disciplinary action against the senior police officer.

According to the statement signed by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, the incident occurred on Tuesday, October 21st, and lasted into the early hours of Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025.

The Union explained that Comrade Adigun was at the police station to seek assistance in arresting an individual allegedly causing a nuisance around the NUJ Secretariat, an area the Union says has become overrun by disruptive activities.

However, the situation escalated when ACP Olorunwa allegedly recognised Adigun and confronted him over a previous story published by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) that was critical of the Commander.

The NUJ statement claimed the Area Commander said, “he thanked his stars for the opportunity to have his pound of flesh” before ordering Adigun’s detention.

“This consistent brazen abuse of power and disregard for the rule of law of this supposed senior police officer is unacceptable and demands immediate attention by the higher authorities of the force,” the statement read.

The Union expressed alarm over the Commander’s conduct, noting he already has a pending case before the CDHR. It called his actions “a clear example of policing gone wrong, prioritising personal interests, and aiding and abetting immorality over public safety.”

While reaffirming its cordial relationship with the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, the NUJ urgently called on him to investigate the incident and the Area Commander’s conduct.

The Union is demanding justice and accountability, stating, “We will not back down until the Area Commander is brought to justice for his abuse of authority.” It also urged the Ogun State government and other agencies to safeguard press freedom and end the harassment of media practitioners.

As of the time of reporting, the Police Command has not issued an official response to the allegations.