Seun Odunlami**, the publisher of online news platform Newsjaunt, was abducted on Wednesday by suspected armed men in the Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The incident occurred around 1:00 pm as Odunlami was standing outside a bank where he had gone to withdraw money.
An anonymous colleague who witnessed the abduction recounted the chilling event, stating, “The gunmen arrived at the bank, handcuffed Seun, and dragged him in.”
Shortly after the abduction, Odunlami reportedly told his colleague via phone that the men identified themselves as operatives of the Special Anti-Fraud Unit and were transporting him to Ikoyi, Lagos.
However, his phone was switched off shortly after this conversation, raising concerns about his safety.
Attempts to confirm the legitimacy of the abductors’ claims or reach Odunlami have been unsuccessful, and local authorities are yet to issue a formal statement.
NUJ Condemns Abduction of Ogun Journalist
The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the abduction of Seun Odunlami, calling it a shocking and unlawful act.
In a statement signed by the Council Secretary, Bunmi Adigun, the NUJ expressed outrage at the brazen manner in which plain-clothed officers carried out the operation.
“This unacceptable act, reminiscent of Gestapo tactics, was brazenly carried out in front of Providus Bank, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, a few meters away from the Union’s Secretariat,” the NUJ statement read.
The union demanded Odunlami’s immediate and unconditional release, as well as a detailed explanation from the police operatives involved in his abduction.
The NUJ also emphasized that the actions of the abductors, believed to be from the Lagos Police Command, threaten the fundamental rights of journalists in Nigeria.
The Council stands in solidarity with Odunlami’s family and colleagues, urging all relevant authorities to ensure his safe return.
“We will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists’ rights and the rule of law in Nigeria,” the NUJ vowed.
This abduction has sparked widespread concern, and journalists across the region are calling for accountability and swift intervention to safeguard the rights of their colleagues.
