Danjuma
September 17, (THEWILL) – The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the detention of two Kwara-based online journalists, Abdulrazaq Aiyelabegan Babatunde and Lukman Oluwatoyin Bolakale, publishers of Just Events Online and Satcom Media, respectively, over a report on the alleged infighting within the ranks of the Kwara State Government.
HURIWA gathered that the continued detention of the two journalists, despite availing the police details of the source of the news report, is not unconnected with continuous pressure being pulled by opposing forces within Gov. AbdulRazaq’s camp.
The Journalists have been under incarceration at the Kwara State Police Command since Monday, September 11, 2023, over a petition written against them by the immediate past Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Ms. Monsurah Jumoke Gafar, alleging defamation of character.
The contentious story titled “Gov. Abdulrazaq’s Camp Kicks Against Reappointment of Jumoke Gafar” was extracted from a press release signed by Chief Rotimi Adebowale, which was duly accredited.
HURIWA is of the considered opinion that, having availed the police of the details, including the phone number and position of the source, who’s a senior government official, the police have yet to effect an arrest, while the journalists remain in police custody.
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