By Adesakin Adefemi
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the alleged assault on three journalists during an enforcement exercise in Igbesa, Ogun State, and has given security agencies a seven-day ultimatum to prosecute those responsible.
The incident occurred on June 3, 2026, in the Ogunguandong area of Igbesa. The journalists affected are Taiwo Fabajo of OGTV, Bidemi Bello of Channels Television, and Gbenga Osinuga. They were reportedly attacked by private security operatives attached to a Chinese company while covering official duties.
In a joint statement, CDHR National President Comrade Yinka Folarin and National Publicity Secretary Comrade Adewunmi Adesina described the attack as a direct assault on constitutional rights and press freedom.
The organization said journalists play an indispensable role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public enlightenment. Any attack on media practitioners, it added, is an attack on democracy itself.
CDHR said the assault reflects a dangerous level of impunity and lawlessness by private security personnel who appear to believe they are above the law. It condemned the use of violence against journalists lawfully covering matters of public interest.
The group has called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to immediately launch a thorough and impartial investigation. CDHR demanded that all persons involved, including sponsors and employers, be identified, arrested, and prosecuted within seven days.
The Ogun State Government was also urged to clarify the circumstances that led to the disruption of a routine enforcement operation. CDHR cited allegations of suspicious under-remittance of Pay As You Earn taxes and other statutory obligations linked to the company involved.
The committee further called on the state government to expose any individuals within or outside government who may have aided, protected, or benefited from fraudulent practices that deprived the state of revenue.
CDHR warned that any attempt to shield the perpetrators or suppress evidence will be resisted through lawful and democratic means. It said that if the police and DSS fail to act within the deadline, the group will mobilize for peaceful mass actions, including picketing of security offices, until justice is served.
