The Nigeria Union of Journalists has condemned the arrest of Azuka Ogujiuba, calling it an attack on press freedom.
The Union demanded her protection, warning that silencing journalists threatens Nigeria’s democracy and governance.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has denounced the reported harassment and arrest of journalist Azuka Ogujiuba, describing the incident as a direct attack on press freedom and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement released on Friday, the Union said Ogujiuba was singled out merely for carrying out her responsibility as a journalist committed to holding power accountable.
According to the NUJ, the treatment of Ogujiuba is unjustifiable and will be firmly resisted. The Union stressed that such intimidation has no place in a democratic system and vowed to use every legal and legitimate channel to oppose it.
The organization also expressed concern over the wider pattern of harassment faced by journalists in the country. It warned that continued persecution of media professionals weakens democratic governance, adding that security agencies must focus on their constitutional duty to protect the people rather than attempt to silence the press.
The Union emphasized solidarity within the profession, noting that mistreatment of one reporter affects all. It insisted that journalists cannot be criminalized for simply doing their jobs.
The NUJ further demanded that the Inspector-General of Police take immediate steps to stop the harassment of Ogujiuba and urged an independent investigation into her arrest. It cautioned security agencies to avoid any further acts of intimidation, warning that the Union is ready to mobilize members nationwide and even draw international attention if necessary.
Reaffirming its stance, the Union declared that journalism must never be treated as a crime, stressing that freedom of the press is a pillar of Nigeria’s democracy, and any attempt to erode it is an attack on the nation itself.
