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Journalists Protest as Police Summon Imo Editor
Journalists in Imo State have raised concerns over press freedom after police summoned the editor of a local newspaper over a recent report. The move has drawn criticism from media groups, who describe it as an attempt to intimidate the press.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The editor, whose name was not immediately disclosed, was reportedly called to the police station in Owerri on Wednesday following the publication of an investigative report that highlighted alleged misconduct by local authorities. Police have not specified the exact charges, fueling fears among journalists of harassment.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Imo State condemned the action, saying it threatens the independence of the press. “This is a clear attempt to silence journalists who are doing their job of informing the public,” the NUJ chairman said. “We call on the authorities to respect the freedom of the press and allow editors to operate without fear.”
Several reporters and editors gathered outside the police station to show solidarity with their colleague. They carried banners demanding protection for media workers and an end to intimidation tactics. Some journalists described the summons as “a worrying trend” that could discourage investigative reporting in the state.
The police spokesperson, when contacted, confirmed that the editor had been summoned but said the action was part of routine procedures. “The police are merely following standard processes,” the spokesperson said. “There is no intention to intimidate anyone.”
However, media rights advocates argue that repeated summons of journalists can create a climate of fear. According to the Media Rights Agenda, press harassment undermines democracy by limiting access to information and discouraging reporters from holding power accountable.
Journalists also highlighted the challenges they face in Imo State, including delayed press accreditations, restricted access to public offices, and occasional threats from political actors. Many editors say these hurdles make it difficult to report freely on government activities, especially at the local level.
The incident has drawn attention beyond Imo State. National press bodies and advocacy groups have issued statements urging the federal government to protect journalists and ensure their safety while performing their duties.
“This summons sends the wrong message to journalists everywhere,” said a spokesperson for the International Press Institute. “Editors and reporters must be free to report facts without fear of retaliation or harassment.”
Experts say that press freedom is vital for transparency and accountability. Limiting journalists’ ability to report can hinder public understanding of governance issues and prevent citizens from making informed decisions.
The editor is expected to appear at the police station later this week. Meanwhile, journalists in the state have vowed to continue their work and maintain pressure on authorities to respect press rights.
As the debate over press freedom continues, media workers stress the importance of solidarity and legal protection. They warn that if intimidation tactics go unchecked, it could erode trust between the press and the public and threaten democracy in the state.
The Iyaloja General Movement held a prayer session in Lagos on Thursday, seeking victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The event, part of the ninth Annual Ramadan Lecture, special prayers, and palliative distribution, was attended by traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, market leaders, political and community stakeholders, as well as APC supporters from across the country. Notable traditional rulers present included the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Isiba; the Alaige of Orile Agege Kingdom, Oba Ambaliu Adegbeyi; and the Ologba of Ogba, Oba Latif Egbeyemi.
Mutiullahi Oladeebo, the group’s coordinator, said the gathering aimed to support Tinubu’s re-election and mobilize grassroots backing for APC candidates in the upcoming polls. “We are praying for our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his victory in the forthcoming general election. As Muslim faithful, we believe Allah answers prayers during Ramadan,” he said.
Oladeebo added that the event also included distributing food palliatives to vulnerable community members to ease the effects of fasting. He expressed confidence that the APC and its candidates would win and highlighted the group’s role in mobilizing support.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed globally as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity, with religious and socio-political gatherings often seeking guidance for national peace and development.
A 44-year-old trader, Ebere Ezetoha, was arraigned on Friday before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly sexually assaulting his four-year-old daughter.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The prosecutor, Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the child’s mother discovered Ezetoha inserting his finger into the girl’s anus after hearing her cry, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Ademigbuji stated that the alleged incident occurred on February 14 at Ezetoha’s residence at 35, Prince Ibeh Arinze Crescent, Ago Palace, Lagos. The act is said to contravene Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Ezetoha pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate Omolara Kushanu granted him bail of N500,000 with two sureties and adjourned the case until April 9 for mention.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the construction of buildings on land allocated to foreign embassies in Katampe Extension, Abuja, describing them as illegal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Friday during a tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, Wike said the unauthorized structures would be demolished.
During the inspection, the minister visited several roads and projects, including the route linking Wuse to the Central Area, a road near the Body of Benchers complex, and the Tungan-Madaki road off the airport corridor. He expressed confidence that many of the projects would be completed ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
On the illegal constructions, Wike explained that the plots were originally allocated on March 18, 2008, to various diplomatic missions for residential use. However, an illegal developer seized the land and began construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
“This land was allocated to various embassies in 2008. Someone just took over and started developing it without FCDA approval. We cannot allow this kind of land invasion to continue,” he said.
The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Part of the land had also been reserved for a 132/133KV power station for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Wike stated that the FCTA has directed the Department of Development Control to demolish all illegal structures and restore the land to its original purpose. “I have instructed that every building on this land be brought down,” he said, adding that the embassies would be formally notified to take possession of their plots.
The minister also revealed that the suspected developer had been arrested and would face prosecution. “The man has been arrested, and the police are investigating. He will be charged in court soon,” Wike said.
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