The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, has yet to address the abduction of Kayode Jaiyeola, a photojournalist for The PUNCH, by its officials. Jaiyeola’s camera and phones were also confiscated during the incident.
Despite several days passing, there has been no attempt to return Jaiyeola’s equipment either to him or to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. This situation has amplified concerns about the aggressive tactics employed by security forces against journalists covering ongoing protests.
Jaiyeola has made several unsuccessful attempts to retrieve his belongings, including visiting the NSA office, where security personnel denied him entry despite his explanations.
On Thursday, Jaiyeola was detained by security officials while covering the #EndBadGovernance protest at Eagles Square in Abuja. Despite presenting his official ID, he was roughly treated and detained. He was later taken to the FCT Police Command and detained without explanation or access to his office or family.
Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Command, confirmed that Jaiyeola was brought to the command by NSA officials but said they did not leave his belongings behind. “We didn’t arrest him; he was brought from the NSA office. He has been told to go, but he said his phone and gadgets are with the people who brought him. We are working to facilitate the return of his items,” Adeh said.
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) has condemned the excessive force used against journalists covering the nationwide protests. On August 3, 2024, journalists at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja were shot at by hooded security agents. Although they escaped injury, their vehicle was damaged.
The IPI expressed grave concern over the shooting, which occurred the day after the Chief of Defence Staff criticized journalists for reporting on the protests. IPI President Musikilu Mojeed and Legal Adviser Tobi Soniyi have called for an immediate investigation into the incident and demanded accountability for the officers involved, identified as members of the police and the State Security Service.
The IPI emphasized the necessity for journalists to perform their duties without interference or intimidation, stating, “Targeting journalists undermines democracy. The IPI demands an immediate investigation into the shooting incident and accountability for those responsible. The media must be allowed to fulfill its constitutional role without intimidation or violence.”
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