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The Nigerian Conference of Political Parties (CNPP) has called for the immediate release of a Nigerian journalist, Tom Oga, who has been detained for 15 days without trial.
The CNPP, in a statement signed by its general secretary, Chief Willy Ezugwu, wondered why “the Nigerian government is talking lip service to police reform if the police continue to detain citizens indefinitely without trial.”
“The CNPP strongly condemns the detention without trial of Nigerian journalist Tom Oga since October 13, 2020, at a time when Nigerians are crying out for police reform.
“The journalist who is the editor of Power Steering Magazine has sadly been dumped at the police facility since his arrest around 5pm on that date by Nigerian Police officers on the orders of Jeddy Agba, Minister of State for the Power of attorney, on a defamation charge.
“The CNPP is amazed that this attack on the journalistic profession and a slap on the rule of law by a minister appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, who has ensured his readiness to reform the Nigerian Police, is happening.
“We draw the attention of the Inspector General of Police to this obvious abuse of executive powers, using the Nigerian Police.
“If the minister has a problem with the publication of any journalist, the courts are there to seek redress.
“The CNPP is already compiling complaints of corruption against the minister, which will be made public soon,” said the CNPP.
