As the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) strongly condemns the alleged unlawful arrest and detention of its Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, by the Area Commander of Zone 2, Abeokuta, ACP Ogundele Olorunwa.
The alleged actions of the Area Commander represent a shocking abuse of power and a blatant disregard for due process. This calculated act of intimidation signals a dangerous trend of impunity and misuse of authority by individuals entrusted with upholding the law.
According to the Council, on the night of Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, Comrade Adigun was carrying out his legitimate responsibility of sanitizing the area surrounding the NUJ Secretariat. This environment has increasingly become a haven for disorderly individuals, including commercial sex workers, whose activities threaten the safety, reputation, and integrity of the premises.
The statement further said that in an effort to maintain order, Comrade Adigun sought the assistance of the police to handle a particularly unruly offender. Rather than receiving support, he was met with hostility.
Shockingly, upon identifying Comrade Adigun as the same individual behind a Facebook post critical of him, particularly one referencing a report by the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR). the Area Commander allegedly used the opportunity to settle personal scores. The statement said.
He reportedly ordered the unlawful detention of Comrade Adigun for several hours, a clear abuse of power driven by personal vendetta and professional misconduct, all under the pretext of enforcing the law.
Such behavior is disgraceful, unprofessional, and indicative of a broken system where whistleblowers are punished while wrongdoing is protected. Rather than support the Union’s efforts to maintain peace and security, the Area Commander appears to have aligned himself with those encouraging lawlessness.
Even more disturbing is the fact that ACP Olorunwa reportedly has a pending case before the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, a fact which raises further concerns about his continued presence in such a sensitive position.
The Ogun NUJ insists that this matter cannot be swept under the carpet. The growing list of human rights complaints against the Area Commander must be taken seriously. We call for urgent disciplinary action, not only to address this incident but to prevent further erosion of public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
While we acknowledge and appreciate the professionalism of other senior officers, particularly the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, this situation requires his immediate intervention. We call on CP Ogunlowo to investigate the disturbing conduct of the Area Commander and take swift and appropriate action.
The NUJ will not tolerate any form of harassment, intimidation, or abuse of its members. As the fourth estate of the realm, the media plays a crucial role in defending democracy and ensuring accountability.
The entire Ogun NUJ stands in solidarity with Comrade Bunmi Adigun and demands a thorough investigation into his illegal detention. We also call for a full review of ACP Olorunwa’s conduct and the many allegations surrounding him.
Furthermore, we urge the Ogun State Government and all relevant law enforcement bodies to reaffirm their commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists in the state. The use of the police as a tool for personal vengeance and intimidation must stop.
This is not just about one journalist; it is about the fundamental right of every Nigerian to speak truth to power without fear. We will not be silenced. We will not back down.
We demand justice. And we demand it now.
(B) BoldNEWS Africa
