The Whistler newspaper calls for thorough investigation into arrest and detention of its reporter

Management of The Whistler publication has demanded a thorough investigation and an apology for the arrest and detention of its reporter Kasarachi Aniagolu by officers of the Nigeria Police.

Ms Aniagolu was arrested, asaaulted and detained by police officers for filming a raid on a Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Wuse Zone 4 area of the FCT.

Following her arrest, she was detained by the operatives of the Anti-Criminal Unit of the FCT Police Command in Guzape and paraded alongside the arrested BDC operators despite identifying herself as a journalist.  

She was however released after 8 hours in custody.

The statement by the Whistler, while acknowledging the collective efforts of media outlets, human rights organizations, and concerned individuals who amplified the injustice of her arrest, called for a thorough investigation into the incidence.

“We reiterate our call for a thorough investigation into the incident, encompassing the arrest, detention, harassment, excessive use of force and the confiscation of Ms. Aniagolu’s equipment.

“Furthermore, we demand an unreserved public apology from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for this egregious violation of press freedom and the fundamental human rights of Ms. Aniagolu,’ the statement said.

According to the statement “We call on The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and to implement measures preventing similar transgressions against journalists performing their lawful duties.

“A robust and free press is indispensable for the sustenance of democracy, and any encroachment on the rights of journalists constitutes an assault on the public’s right to access information.”