The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the molestation of journalists by men of the Nigeria Police at Eagles Square, Abuja, during the #EndBadGovernance protest on Thursday.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, in a statement described the act as a clear violation of journalists’ fundamental human rights and blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of press.
A statement signed by NHRC’s Director, Cooperate Affairs and External Linkages, Obinna Nwakonye emphasised that journalists have the constitutional right to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or molestation
Ojukwu lamented that those molested, including the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel and journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper, Jide Oyekunle; Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times; Mary Adeboye of News Central Television and Kayode Jaiyeola, a photojournalist with Punch Newspaper, did not deserve the treatment meted to them.
According to the ES, the police’s actions 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 called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident, 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,” he added.