The IPI Nigeria has condemned the arrest and detention of a Nigerian journalist, Adejuwon Soyinka, for six hours in Lagos on Sunday by the State Security Service (SSS).
SSS operatives picked Mr Soyinka up at about 5:40 a.m. Sunday at the Muhammed Murtala International Airport, Lagos, shortly after he arrived from the United Kingdom.
He was released on bail after about six-hour detention.
The SSS seized his passport as part of the bail conditions.
The SSS said its operatives arrested him based on a request from another agency.
The details of the requesting agency or the offences over which Mr Soyinka was held have not been provided.
In a Sunday statement, IPI Nigeria said Mr Soyinka’s arrest fits into the pattern of a systematic clampdown on journalists across the country since President Tinubu assumed office on 29 May, 2023.
“We hereby demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Soyinka’s international passport.
“We also demand a commitment from the federal government to uphold the freedom of the press and stop further harassment and intimidation of journalists,” the statement said. (Premium Times)
