Samuel Ogundipe: Nigeria’s security agencies rubbishing human rights – Amnesty International

Amnesty International has joined the call for the release of
Premium Times reporter in Police detention, Samuel Ogundipe.

AI lamented that the order came from the Inspector General of Police,
Ibrahim Idris and warned security agencies in Nigeria to stop
disregarding human rights.

The newspaper, groups and some prominent Nigerians have issued
separated statements condemning the arrest.

Ogundipe was arrested for refusing to disclose the source to a story
which Premium Times explained was also published by many other media
houses.

Reacting in a statement sent to DAILY POST, AI Nigeria Director, Osai
Ojigho, said: "The Nigeria police must immediately and unconditionally
release journalist Samuel Ogundipe, who has been in unlawful police
detention since yesterday.

"Reports that police detained Samuel Ogundipe with the intention of
forcing him to reveal his sources are extremely disturbing and
illustrate the level of harassment and intimidation that Nigerian
journalists face.

"The duty of journalists is not to please the authorities – it is to
share information in the interest of the public, and forcing
journalists to reveal their sources is illegal.

"The directive for the arrest of Samuel Ogundipe reportedly came
directly from the Inspector General of Police. The Nigeria police
should focus their attention on maintaining law and order and allow
journalists to perform their jobs free from fear of reprisals.

"The arrest of Samuel Ogundipe is part of a concerted crackdown on the
Premium Times and its staff by Nigeria police. On Monday, police
physically assaulted Editor in Chief Muskilu Mojeed and briefly
detained reporter Azeezat Adedigba.

"We urge the Nigerian authorities to respect and ensure human rights
and instruct their agencies to desist from harassing and intimidating
Premium Times staff and other journalists and media organizations."