***Demands Immediate Release
A fresh storm is brewing in Kogi State following the arrest and detention of the publisher of Kogi Reports, Mr. Owoeye, with a prominent civil rights organisation accusing powerful political interests of using state institutions to silence critical journalism ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has strongly condemned the arrest, describing it as a dangerous assault on press freedom, democracy and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Lokoja on Friday, CHRCR Executive Director, Idris Miliki Abdul, alleged that officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps acted on the instructions of the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Leke Abejide, to arrest the online newspaper publisher.
Abdul described the development as “disturbing, unnecessary and completely unacceptable in a democratic society,” warning that the incident raises serious concerns about growing intolerance toward media scrutiny and dissenting voices.
According to him, arresting a journalist for carrying out his professional duties sends a chilling message to media practitioners and threatens the constitutional guarantees of free speech and freedom of the press.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression and the right of citizens to hold opinions. For a journalist performing his constitutional responsibility to be arrested and detained is regrettable and unacceptable,” he said.
The rights group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detained publisher, insisting that any attempt to criminalise journalism undermines the foundations of democratic governance.
CHRCR further called on journalists across the country to unite in defence of press freedom by boycotting activities involving individuals linked to what it described as the unlawful arrest and detention.
The organisation accused some politicians of embracing favourable media coverage while resorting to intimidation and harassment whenever reports expose uncomfortable issues or challenge powerful interests.
“It is unfortunate that when journalists publish stories that favour politicians, they are celebrated. But the moment a report is perceived as unfavourable, the response becomes intimidation, harassment and attempts to silence the media,” Abdul stated.
The group warned that with political activities gradually building toward the 2027 general elections, any effort to suppress journalists, activists or ordinary citizens would be fiercely resisted.
According to CHRCR, democracy cannot thrive where fear replaces free expression and where journalists risk arrest for performing their watchdog role.
Abdul urged public office holders to respect constitutional rights, embrace accountability and recognise that criticism is an essential component of democratic governance rather than a crime.
The organisation maintained that the treatment of the Kogi Reports publisher should concern every Nigerian, warning that an attack on one journalist today could become an attack on democratic freedoms tomorrow.