The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has strongly condemned the arrest and assault of an Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist, Mr. John Okunyomih, by security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, described the incident as “a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.”

Okunyomih was reportedly manhandled by armed soldiers and policemen while covering protesters near the Unity Fountain. His camera and other professional equipment were allegedly damaged during the attack.

The NUJ called for an immediate investigation into the incident and urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller, to identify and sanction the officers involved.

“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duty is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” the statement read in part.

Oyekunle also demanded the replacement of the journalist’s damaged camera and work tools, noting that such action would serve as a deterrent against future assaults on media professionals.

The Council further reminded security agencies to respect the rights of journalists to cover public events freely, in accordance with constitutional provisions and international standards.

“While we acknowledge that he has been released, we demand that his camera and other gadgets damaged by armed policemen be replaced immediately,” the NUJ concluded.