JODER condemns alleged attack on MITV journalist in Lagos
The Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER) has condemned the alleged assault on an MITV reporter, Habeeb Adejobi, at the Kosofe Local Government Council Secretariat in Lagos. The group described the
The Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER) has condemned the alleged assault on an MITV reporter, Habeeb Adejobi, at the Kosofe Local Government Council Secretariat in Lagos.
The group described the incident as a violation of press freedom and an attack on the rights of journalists performing their lawful duties.
Adejobi was reportedly attacked by suspected loyalists of the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, Moyo Ogunlewe, while covering the screening of newly appointed supervisors and special advisers at the council secretariat.
In a statement, JODER’s Executive Director, Adewale Adeoye, described the incident as embarrassing and unacceptable in a democratic society.
He said the development recalled the repression experienced by journalists during Nigeria’s military era, noting that such actions have no place in a democratic setting.
“It is quite embarrassing. It should not happen in a democracy. The violation of the rights of a journalist in the course of his official duty is condemnable in the strongest terms,” Adeoye said.
Adeoye expressed concern that the incident occurred at a time a new council chairman was assuming office, describing it as a poor start for the administration.
He called on the police to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible, including an individual alleged to be the chairman’s driver who reportedly led the attack, are brought to justice.
The JODER director also urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to probe the incident, describing the alleged conduct as uncivilised and unacceptable.
“We think it is abnormal for a local government chairman to keep a thug as his driver,” he added.
The organisation stressed the need to protect journalists from intimidation, harassment and violence, warning that repeated attacks on media practitioners pose a threat to democratic governance.
JODER called on relevant authorities to take decisive steps to guarantee the safety of journalists covering political and governmental activities across the state.
