Soldier assaults TheCable journalist in Lagos traffic altercation

The Punch reports on a disturbing incident involving a journalist from TheCable, Olalekan Fakoyejo, who alleges he was assaulted by a soldier in Lagos. This event highlights a recurring concern regarding the conduct of some military personnel towards civilians, particularly members of the press who are vital for holding power accountable.

Fakoyejo, the Assistant Business Editor at TheCable, recounted how the altercation began when he commented on a soldier's actions that were exacerbating traffic congestion in Ogba. According to his account, the soldier forcibly removed him from a tricycle and proceeded to threaten him. When Fakoyejo questioned the soldier's authority and right to order him to report to other officers, he was allegedly slapped.

“

The soldier heard what I said, and he dragged me out of the tricycle. He started threatening me and ordered me to go meet his colleagues who were not close to the incident. I refused to go, telling him I did nothing wrong, and he doesn’t have the right to order me to go report myself to his colleagues.

The incident, captured on video by an eyewitness, reportedly shows the soldier physically confronting Fakoyejo, shoving him, and attempting to strike him with a cudgel. The journalist's phone was also damaged during the scuffle, with its screen shattering after hitting the tarmac. Passers-by intervened, urging Fakoyejo to leave the scene to prevent further escalation.

This alleged assault raises serious questions about the behavior of military personnel and the safety of journalists in Nigeria. While efforts to obtain a comment from the Army spokesperson were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, such incidents contribute to a climate of fear and intimidation. The Nigerian Army has faced public backlash in the past for similar actions, and The Punch emphasizes the need for accountability and respect for press freedom. The incident underscores the challenges faced by journalists performing their duties in public spaces.

“

During the period, he kept pushing me backwards towards where he said his colleagues were, then one of his colleagues came to speak to me. As I was explaining to the colleague that walked up to us, the soldier that was threatening me just slapped me immediately I turned my face towards him.