The Ogun State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed its members to shut down their Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) accounts with immediate effect. This move is in protest of the ongoing detention of Seun Odunlami, a council member, who was arrested in connection with an investigative report involving GTBank and its CEO, Segun Agbaje.
Odunlami and three others have been held at the Ikoyi correctional center for over a month, despite efforts to secure bail. The offense they are accused of is considered bailable, sparking concerns about the violation of their fundamental human rights.
Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Ogun State NUJ council, expressed alarm at the manner of Odunlami’s abduction and continued detention. He believes this case highlights a disturbing trend where individuals are detained without lawful grounds, but rather through the influence of powerful entities.
Olanrewaju emphasized that using police force to enforce such actions infringes on rights and undermines justice and democracy. He stressed that Odunlami faces bailable charges, yet remains in unlawful custody.
The NUJ chairman called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to review the Cybercrime Act of 2024, citing its use to intimidate the media with frivolous charges.
In a powerful statement, Olanrewaju urged journalists in Ogun State to close their GTBank accounts and invited other state councils to join the struggle to free Odunlami. He appealed to anyone with information or influence to stand against this injustice.
The NUJ’s boycott of GTBank is a bold move to protect journalists’ rights and highlight the need for fair treatment under the law.
As the situation unfolds, concerns about press freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria are likely to intensify…… Suitable headlines
