By Joy Odor
The International Press Centre (IPC) has showed it’s concerned about the alleged maltreatment of Oluwagbemiga Olamikan, a photojournalist with the Vanguard newspaper by the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.
In a statement by the IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in Lagos and made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Communications Officer of IPC, Olutoyin Ayoade said the occurrence is another indication that journalists’ rights and press freedom are ceaselessly being disregarded in the country.
Mr. Arogundade was of the opinion that journalists are legitimately authorised to carry out their duties without interference and their harassment in the course of duty in a matter of immense public interest is appalling and unacceptable.
IPC therefore demanded for the immediate investigation and prosecution of the security operatives responsible for the assault to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to engage in similar act of brutality.
According to lPC, an unreserved apology should be tendered to Mr. Olamikan while he should be well compensated.
It would be recalled that Reports from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT, specified that the DSS operatives prevented some reporters from covering the trial of some supporters of Sunday Adeyemo, a youth leader better known as Sunday Igboho.
Oluwagbemiga Olamikan was reportedly assaulted at the said trial which took place at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday August 2nd, 2021.
