CSOs protest Premium Times reporter’s detention

Following a protest by members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) demanding the release of the Premium Times Security reporter, Samuel Ogundipe, who was arrested on Tuesday by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, the Nigeria Police has said that the reporter was being investigated and had been arraigned for theft and unlawful possession of restricted and classified documents inimical to state/national Security.
A coalition of CSOs, #OurMumuDondo, led by popular musician, Charlie boy, had earlier in the morning stormed the force headquarters, Abuja, insisting on the release of the reporter, noting that they would not leave until he is freed.
Our correspondent reports that the protesters briefly barricaded the Shehu Shagari Way, forcing motorists to ply alternative routes.
Ogundipe was said to have been arrested over the publication of the report of Police investigation into the invasion of the National Assembly by the Department of State Services (DSS).
However, in a press statement later in the day, the Force Public relations Offcier, acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, said Ogundipe violated the Official Secret Act and the Cyber Crime Act, adding that the journalist had volunteered statements and he is standing trial.
The statement read in part, “The Force is categorically stating that Ogundipe is being investigated and prosecuted for the offences of theft and unlawful possession of restricted and classified documents inimical to State/National Security that can jeopardise peace, breakdown of law and order capable of precipitating crisis in the country.
“Ogundipe is also being investigated and prosecuted under other offences which violate Official Secret Act, Cyber Crime Act, and the Penal Code for which he has volunteered statements and is standing trial.” Moshood stated that Ogundipe was arraigned in court, less than 24 hours of his arrest, adding that the police “as a law abiding organization will continue to ensure that the Rule of Law and its supremacy which are essentials of democracy prevail at all times.” “The Nigeria Police Force and the media are veritable partners in ensuring peace, law and order in the country, but the Force will not compromise or allow an offender to go scot free or pervert the end of justice,” he added.
A Kubwa Magistrates’ Court had ordered he be remanded in Police custody till August 20.
Addressing the protesters, Moshood said the detention of the journalist was not a punishment, a claim that annoyed the campaigners who objected loudly.
On why Ogundipe’s bank account was frozen,the force spokesman said, “It is part of investigation; We should try to educate ourselves.
The Judges’ rule permit the police if an offence is committed in Abuja to go far to Lagos to get anywhere to get evidence in resolution of the matter.” However, presidential aspirant, Omoyele Sowore, has knocked the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris for pressurizing Ogundipe to disclose his source.
Another activist, Ralph Adebayo described the IGP as “ignorant,” noting that “he has been transmitting confusion since he became the Police boss, stumbling from one controversy to another.” The convener, Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, on his part said the group would continue to besiege the Police headquarters daily until their demand is met.