By Olusegun Obisanya
The Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria has condemned the alleged assault, harassment and destruction of the mobile phone of a journalist, Sunday Michael Ogwu, by police operatives and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Abuja.
Ogwu, Editor of Pinnacle Daily, was allegedly assaulted on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while documenting a demolition exercise at Lugbe Federal Housing Estate in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement jointly signed by FICAN Chairman, Chima Titus Nwokoji, and General Secretary, Sam Diala, the association said the incident occurred around 5:30pm during a joint demolition operation involving personnel of the Lugbe Police Division and VGN members.
According to FICAN, Ogwu was taking a stroll in the area when he brought out his mobile phone to document the exercise. A police officer allegedly accosted him, forcibly seized his phone despite his identification as a journalist and prevented him from speaking with the team leader.
The association alleged that Ogwu was surrounded by police officers and VGN members, while some local youths were arrested and he was ordered into a police patrol van.
When he declined, insisting that he had committed no offence, the officers allegedly flogged him with an electric cable on the instruction of the supervising officer.
FICAN said the phone was later returned and Ogwu was ordered to leave. However, after moving about 100 metres away, he began recording the scene while attempting to send a distress message to his media organisation.
The officers allegedly noticed him, pursued him, dragged him back to the demolition site and subjected him to another round of flogging.
The officer in charge allegedly ordered the renewed assault, saying the first beating was “not enough.”
FICAN said the incident left Ogwu with physical injuries and seriously damaged his phone before passers-by intervened.
The association described the alleged assault as unacceptable and a serious violation of press freedom and citizens’ rights, saying it evoked memories of police brutality that triggered the nationwide #EndSARS protests in 2020.
FICAN demanded that it be declared unlawful for police officers to seize devices, arrest or threaten citizens recording their activities.
“An apology must be given to the victim within 72 hours and all medical bills and phone repair expenses incurred by Mr. Ogwu must be settled immediately,” the association stated.
It also cited Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to document the conduct of law enforcement agents performing public duties.
“Journalism is not a crime,” FICAN stressed, adding that the media’s responsibility to hold public institutions accountable is constitutionally guaranteed.
The association called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the FCT Police Command to order an immediate and transparent investigation.
It demanded that officers and VGN personnel found culpable be identified, arrested and appropriately disciplined, while also seeking compensation for Ogwu’s damaged phone, payment of his medical expenses and a formal apology to him and the management of Pinnacle Daily.
FICAN further urged police authorities to end intimidation, harassment and physical assault of journalists covering public events, warning against any attempt to revive “SARS-style tactics through the back door.”
“Only a public servant involved in criminal activities would be afraid of being recorded,” the association observed.
“Recording a public servant performing legitimate duties should be a source of pride and a means of projecting the organisation in a positive light.”
