The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned what it described as the illegal detention of its Council Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, by the Police Area Commander, Zone 2, Abeokuta, ACP Ogundele Olorunwa.
In a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade ‘Wale Olanrewaju, the Union expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as “a brazen abuse of power and a clear disregard for the rule of law.”
According to the statement, Comrade Adigun was detained by the Area Commander on Tuesday night, October 21, 2025, while attempting to restore order around the NUJ Secretariat in Abeokuta an area allegedly overrun by individuals, including commercial sex workers, whose activities have become a nuisance to the environment.
The Union explained that the Secretary had sought the assistance of the police to apprehend a defiant woman who was allegedly disturbing the peace around the Secretariat. However, upon arrival at the station, the Area Commander reportedly detained Comrade Adigun after identifying him as the author of a recent Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) report critical of his conduct.
“Instead of supporting our efforts to maintain law and order, the Area Commander chose to detain our Union Secretary for hours, in what can only be described as a personal vendetta and gross abuse of authority,” the statement read.
The Council further noted that ACP Olorunwa’s action “prioritized personal interests over public safety” and reflected a pattern of “policing gone wrong.”
The Union also recalled that the same Area Commander currently has a pending case before the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), a situation it described as deeply concerning and indicative of misconduct unbefitting of a senior police officer.
While commending the professionalism of other senior officers in the Ogun State Command particularly the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo the NUJ urged him to urgently investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
“Ogun NUJ deserves better cooperation from law enforcement agencies as we strive to sanitize our Secretariat. We demand an immediate investigation into the illegal detention of Comrade Adigun and a probe into the Area Commander’s conduct,” the statement emphasized.
The Union reaffirmed its solidarity with Comrade Adigun, insisting that journalists in Ogun State will not be intimidated or silenced in the course of their lawful duties.
It also called on the Ogun State Government and security agencies to guarantee the safety and freedom of journalists, stressing that harassment or intimidation of media practitioners must no longer be tolerated.
“We will not back down until the Area Commander is brought to justice for his abuse of authority,” the statement concluded.