The International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos, Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has called for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials following their invasion of Urban Radio Station (94.5FM) in Enugu on Monday evening, October 14, 2024.
Reports from the SPJ-Hub indicate that EFCC operatives entered the broadcast facility forcibly, allegedly threatening station staff with firearms, making them sit on the floor, confiscating their phones, and disrupting a live broadcast. The officials reportedly entered the live studio of the “Prime Time” program and detained the anchor mid-broadcast.
Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, issued a statement condemning the incident as “a despicable assault on the media and a blatant abuse of power.” He described the action as part of a troubling trend of extrajudicial tactics used by the EFCC and other security agencies, further noting, “This conduct is a clear departure from professional standards and shows a concerning disregard for press freedom.”
SPJ-Hub has urged the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoye, to ensure a full investigation of the incident and that responsible officers face disciplinary action. “This will serve as a deterrent to prevent future incidents and encourage adherence to constitutional protocols,” the statement emphasized, urging the EFCC to train its personnel on lawful and respectful methods of enforcement.
In addition to the Enugu raid, SPJ-Hub also condemned the recent assault on journalists in Bayelsa State, where hired thugs allegedly attacked members of the press during an APC-organized press briefing in Yenagoa, resulting in multiple injuries to journalists.