By The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has strongly condemned the alleged assault, harassment, and intimidation of three journalists during an official enforcement operation in Igbesa, Ogun State, describing the incident as a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values.
The journalists reportedly affected are Taiwo Fabajo of OGTV, Bidemi Bello of Channels Television, and Gbenga Osinaike, who were said to have been carrying out their professional duties when they were allegedly attacked by private security personnel attached to a Chinese company operating in the Ogunguandong area of the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President of CDHR, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina on Thursday, described the incident as a grave violation of the constitutional rights of journalists and citizens, stressing that media practitioners play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public enlightenment.
According to the rights organisation, any attack on journalists amounts to an attack on democracy itself.
CDHR expressed concern over what it described as a growing culture of impunity, alleging that some private security operatives act as though they are above the law and protected by influential interests.
The organisation maintained that violence against journalists covering matters of public interest has no place in a democratic society and must be decisively addressed.
The group called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately launch a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident.
It demanded that all individuals allegedly involved in the assault, including any sponsors, collaborators, or employers connected to the incident, be identified, arrested, and prosecuted within seven days.
CDHR also urged the Ogun State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disruption of the enforcement operation that led to the incident.
The organisation called for transparency regarding allegations of under-remittance of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes and other statutory obligations reportedly linked to the company involved.
According to the statement, the government has a responsibility to disclose all relevant facts and ensure that anyone found culpable in any form of financial misconduct is held accountable.
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The rights group further urged authorities to identify and expose any individuals, whether within or outside government circles, who may have aided, protected, or benefited from any alleged fraudulent practices connected to the company.
CDHR warned that failure to conduct a transparent investigation could undermine public confidence in governance and regulatory institutions.
The organisation also cautioned against any attempt to shield suspects, suppress evidence, or obstruct investigations, insisting that such actions would be resisted through lawful democratic means.
It disclosed that if the police and DSS fail to bring those responsible to justice within the stipulated period, it would collaborate with civil society organisations, labour groups, media stakeholders, and other democratic forces to organise peaceful protests and other lawful actions aimed at demanding accountability.
CDHR reiterated that the safety and protection of journalists remain non-negotiable, stressing that no individual, corporation, or security outfit has the authority to assault citizens with impunity.
The organisation expressed solidarity with the affected journalists, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), media professionals across the country, and all advocates of democratic freedoms.
It concluded by insisting that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
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