By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has condemned the arrest and assault of Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist John Okunyomih by armed security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja. The incident occurred on Monday, October 20, 2025, near the Unity Fountain, where demonstrators gathered to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Eyewitnesses said security operatives comprising policemen and soldiers moved in to disperse protesters and journalists covering the event. Okunyomih, who was filming the demonstration, was reportedly manhandled and his professional camera destroyed. The journalist’s phone and other work tools were also damaged before his eventual release. AFP later confirmed the attack, describing the destruction of its equipment as regrettable and unprovoked.
In a statement issued the same day in Abuja, the NUJ FCT Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described the attack as “a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.” He said the harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duties was unacceptable and called for the immediate investigation and sanction of the officers involved.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” Oyekunle said. “We call on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller, to caution their men and ensure the replacement of the damaged camera and gadgets.”
The Council noted that Okunyomih was released shortly after his arrest but insisted that the assault and destruction of his equipment represent a broader pattern of intimidation against media professionals. The union warned that attacks on journalists erode public confidence in security institutions and threaten Nigeria’s democratic image before the international community.
“While we appreciate his release, we demand that his tools be replaced immediately to discourage further abuse,” the statement added.
The incident has drawn renewed criticism from media rights groups, who argue that journalists must be allowed to operate freely without fear of harassment or assault. Civil society advocates have also urged the Federal Government to ensure that all security personnel undergo mandatory training on media engagement and human rights to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
