The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the arrest of Sikiru Obarayese during Wednesday’s EndSARS memorial.
Obarayese, a reporter with DAILY POST in Osun State, was harassed by six policemen.
Around 1pm, officers deployed against gatherings to commemorate the anniversary ambushed protesters at Old-Garage in Osogbo, the State capital.
Obarayese and other civilians were beaten and arrested. The journalist was persistently hit despite identifying himself.
On the instruction of Chief Superintendent Oyegbade Akinloye, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dugbe Division, operatives took Obarayese to the station from Freedom Park.
There, one L. Yakubu punched him severally, while one Inspector Charles wrote a statement for him to sign.
The reporter blatantly refused and was charged to Osogbo Magistrate Court on trumped-up charges after some officers threatened to kill him.
The police two counts claimed breach of peace and recording/assaulting DPO Akinloye.
Magistrate A. O. Daramola condemned the use of force and asked the prosecutor, Inspector Adeoye Kayode, to tell her when recording security operatives became an offence.
Daramola granted the request of the Commissioner of Police, Wale Olokode, for withdrawal of the suit and struck out the case.
On Thursday, Osun NUJ Chairman, Wasiu Ajadosu and Secretary, Bukola Elufadejin, asked the police to apologize or face a boycott.
The officials said the arrest and arraignment of Obarayese was gross violation of his fundamental human rights.
The NUJ chided Akinloye for ordering the arrest of the journalist and speedily arraigning him.
“The police should be civil in approach and stop unnecessary force on citizens performing legitimate duties.
“They should focus on criminal elements. The union will no longer tolerate abuse and harassment of its members.
“The Commissioner of Police must call his officers to order and educate them on the place of media in the task of policing the state.
“If this command fails to do so, the union may not have any other option than to stop reportage of all police activities”, NUJ threatened.
In Lagos, the police and the Neighborhood Safety Corp agents assaulted civilians at the Lekki Toll Gate.
The LSNA has commenced investigation of its personnel filmed during the attack.
