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Lagos, Ogun NUJ Councils Hailed for Advocacy in Journalists’ Release
The Lagos and Ogun State Councils of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have been commended for their relentless efforts in securing the release of four journalists who were incarcerated for over six months following allegations of defamation by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTCO).
The journalists — Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami — were arrested in September 2024 by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) for alleged cyberstalking and defamation under the contentious Cybercrime Law. Their prolonged detention at Ikoyi Prison drew widespread condemnation from media rights groups and advocates of press freedom.
Following intense advocacy and diplomatic interventions, including efforts led by the NUJ at both the national and state levels, the case was eventually resolved amicably. Lead counsel to GTCO, Chief A.A. Aribisala, informed Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, that an agreement had been reached between the bank and the journalists, leading to the court striking out the case.
National Secretary of the NUJ, Achike Chude, praised the Lagos and Ogun NUJ Councils for their unwavering commitment to the cause, stressing that their persistent engagement and pressure played a crucial role in securing the journalists’ release.
“The Lagos and Ogun Councils of the NUJ demonstrated true solidarity and professionalism in standing by their colleagues. Their actions reaffirm the strength of the Union and the importance of collective action in defending press freedom,” Chude stated.
He also acknowledged the role of the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, whose behind-the-scenes engagements with state and non-state actors were instrumental in resolving the case.
Chude urged journalists to reflect on the experience and uphold the highest standards of the profession, emphasizing the need to balance investigative rigor with ethical responsibility.
The resolution of the case, according to him, highlights the urgent need for a review of the Cybercrime Law to eliminate provisions that threaten press freedom and freedom of expression.
