Press Freedom Group Demands Probe into Journalist's Assault by Police

The Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) is demanding an immediate investigation into the alleged assault of Sunday Michael Ogwu, an editor with Pinnacle Daily, by police officers during a demolition exercise in Lugbe, Abuja. The coalition has called for disciplinary measures against the officers and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) implicated in the incident.

According to CWPPF, Ogwu was present at the Lugbe Federal Housing Estate to document the demolition operation when an officer allegedly confiscated his phone. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, Ogwu was reportedly ordered into a police vehicle. His refusal allegedly led to an assault with an electric cable. The coalition stated that Ogwu was later permitted to leave but was pursued and allegedly assaulted again after he began recording the incident and sending a distress message to his organization.

The CWPPF condemned the officers' actions as unacceptable, especially given that Ogwu was performing his journalistic duties in a public space. "CWPPF finds the unprovoked brutality and lawlessness of operatives of the Lugbe Police Division deeply unsettling and unacceptable," the coalition stated. "Documenting public operations conducted by state agents is a constitutionally protected right, not a criminal offence."

The coalition urged the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the FCT Police Command to ensure a transparent investigation to identify, arrest, and discipline the involved officers and VGN personnel. Furthermore, CWPPF demanded full compensation for Ogwu's damaged mobile phone and all medical expenses incurred, along with a formal public apology to the journalist and Pinnacle Daily for the unlawful attack.

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CWPPF finds the unprovoked brutality and lawlessness of operatives of the Lugbe Police Division deeply unsettling and unacceptable. Documenting public operations conducted by state agents is a constitutionally protected right, not a criminal offence.