Concerns rise over arrest of Osun NUJ Secretary

Media circles in Osun State have grown increasingly concerned after police arrested Olalekan Akindoju, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Osun State Council, in Osogbo on Thursday morning.

The arrest was confirmed by Adeyemi Aboderin, Chairman of the NUJ Osun State Council, in a message posted on the organization’s official WhatsApp group.

Aboderin wrote, “IMPORTANT NOTICE. Policemen reportedly arrested Hon. Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osun State Council, Olalekan Akindoju at his residence on Thursday morning. His apartment was allegedly raided by policemen, and he was taken to the State CID, Osogbo. More details coming.”

In a separate chat with DAILY POST, Aboderin added, “Yet to ascertain the reason. I have gotten in touch with the PPRO. Reason for arrest not yet ascertained.”

Daniel Odeyemi, Chairman of the Rave FM Chapel of the NUJ—where Akindoju is a member—also confirmed that police officers arrived at his home and took him away. He said, “Lekan called the Head of Station this morning and said police officers stormed his house and they are taking him to the state CID.”

Odeyemi noted that Femi Adefila, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Rave FM, has visited the Osun State Police Command headquarters regarding the matter. He added that the police command headquarters had not yet confirmed Akindoju’s whereabouts.

Sources within the NUJ reported that Akindoju’s location was initially unknown after the arrest, and attempts to contact him by phone were unsuccessful.

In a later update, the NUJ chairman said, “UPDATE ON AKINDOJU’S ARREST. We have been able to track him to the cells of the Police PRU unit at the Police Headquarters. It was probably a case of mistaken identity. We’re working on his immediate release. Thanks for your concern.”

Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Osun State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time. The police have yet to explain the circumstances that led to Akindoju’s detention or confirm the reasons for his arrest.