Media Group Condemns Alleged Assault in Lugbe
The Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria issued a strong public statement condemning an alleged police assault today. Specifically, the association addressed the harassment and phone destruction of editor Sunday Michael Ogwu in Abuja.
The violent incident reportedly occurred near the Lugbe Federal Housing Estate in the Federal Capital Territory. Furthermore, police officers and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria conducted a joint demolition exercise nearby.
Ogwu was taking a routine walk when he brought out his mobile phone to record the operation. Consequently, a police officer accosted him immediately and seized his device despite his clear professional identification.
Officers then surrounded Ogwu, arrested several local youths, and ordered him into a police van. When he declined because he committed no crime, officers flogged him repeatedly with an electric cable.
Unprovoked Second Attack and Device Destruction
Officers eventually returned Ogwu’s phone and instructed him to leave the immediate demolition site. Therefore, he moved roughly 100 meters away to record a video distress message for his newsroom.
However, officers noticed him recording again and pursued him across the street immediately. They dragged him back to the demolition site and subjected him to a second round of flogging.
In fact, the supervising officer ordered the renewed beating, stating that the first assault was not enough. Consequently, the severe attack left Ogwu with physical body injuries and a badly broken mobile phone.
Passers-by eventually intervened and urged the injured journalist to leave the area for his personal safety.
Constitutional Rights and Demands for Justice
The media association described the officers’ actions as a severe violation of press freedom and human rights. Furthermore, the association noted that this incident evokes memories of the 2020 anti-police brutality protests.
Under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, citizens maintain the clear legal right to record public officers. Therefore, recording law enforcement officers performing public duties remains entirely legal across Nigeria.
The media group demands a formal public apology from police leadership within 72 hours. Additionally, they insist that police authorities pay all medical bills and phone repair expenses immediately.
Finally, the association called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate and discipline the responsible officers. In short, journalists must cover public events without fearing violent physical retaliation from law enforcement.
