The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the molestation of journalists by the Nigerian police at Eagle Square during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The commission also gave the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ten (10) days to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to hold perpetrators accountable and report the action taken to NHRC.
The commission stated this in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Obinna Nwakonye.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) described the act as a clear violation of their fundamental human rights and a blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of press.
The statement added that journalists have the constitutional right to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment or molestation.
He lamented that those molested, including Jide Oyekunle, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel and journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper; Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times; Mary Adeboye of News Central Television and Kayode Jaiyeola, a photojournalist with Punch Newspaper, did not deserve the treatment that was meted out to them.
According to the commission, the actions of the police undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“We call on the Nigerian police to respect the rights of journalists and protesters, and to ensure that their actions align with international human rights standards,” the commission said.
Ojukwu called on Egbetokun to investigate the incident and take necessary steps to hold perpetrators accountable and report the action taken to NHRC within 10 days.
“We reiterate our commitment to protecting human rights and promoting a culture of respect for the rule of law in Nigeria,” the statement added.
