The International Press Centre has frowned at the unlawful detention of Tega Oghenedoro, Editor- in-Chief of Secret reporters by the Department of State Services in Asaba, Delta State.
Oghenedoro was detained for over twenty-four hours over a story he published on an alleged robbery incident in the Delta State Government House.
The journalist, who has been released, is popularly known by his pen name ‘Fejiro Oliver.’
IPC in the statement signed by its Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, and made available to IMPACT NEWS, alleged that Oghenedoro was detained at the instance of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Arogundade insisted that his detention by security operatives was illegal and unconstitutional, thereby violating his right to freedom of expression guaranteed under the constitution.
“Journalists have constitutional obligation to report issues of interest to the public and should not be barred or harassed in the course of such reportorial duties” he asserted.
Arogundade urged the government officials to uphold democratic principles and refrain from abusive use of power and office to muzzle journalists and the other independent voices at the faintest criticism.
