The missing editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji, has been located in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency, as revealed by the Nigeria Chapter of the International Press Institute on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Army, when approached by NewsNow, denied involvement in the editor’s arrest or knowledge of his whereabouts.
Operating under Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, the Defence Intelligence Agency reports to Gen Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff.
Olatunji, previously a correspondent for NewsNow in Kaduna State, was reportedly taken by suspected military personnel on March 15 from his residence in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos.
Despite efforts by his family and colleagues to locate him, Olatunji’s whereabouts remain undisclosed.
Concerns were raised about Olatunji’s health conditions, including asthma and an ulcer, prompting his wife Oluwatosin to appeal to the authorities for his release.
A military insider, speaking anonymously to NewsNow last Sunday, confirmed Olatunji’s presence in the DIA’s custody.
“Segun is not held by the Army or the Department of State Services, as rumored. He is under DIA’s custody,” stated the source.
In a statement by the IPI’s Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, it was reiterated that Olatunji is indeed in DIA’s custody.
The IPI called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Chief of Defence Staff to produce Olatunji.
According to the IPI, “Multiple investigations by IPI Nigeria confirm that Mr. Olatunji is being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency, headed by Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa.
“For nearly 11 days, the journalist has been isolated, with his family, employers, and colleagues unaware of his situation, fueling concerns among journalists and activists worldwide that crucial details about the journalist’s safety might be withheld by the Nigerian military.
“IPI Nigeria urges President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian military to release Mr. Olatunji promptly or present him in court if any offense is alleged. The global community needs to take note of the unjust detention of Mr. Olatunji by the Nigerian military.”
“The legal system requires an accused individual to have the opportunity to defend themselves in court within a reasonable timeframe, aligning with Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution that prohibits detaining any citizen beyond 48 hours without a valid court order.”
On March 15, around 10 armed individuals with two unmarked vehicles reportedly raided Olatunji’s residence in Alagbado, Lagos State. Today marks the 13th day since the editor’s alleged abduction.
In a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, the editor’s wife, Abiodun Oluwakemi, mentioned that two of the intruders wore military attire and identified themselves as Nigerian Army officers.
Despite her pleas, the armed individuals insisted on taking Olatunji with them.
However, in an exclusive interview with NewsNow on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, expressed unawareness of the editor’s arrest or any related correspondence.
The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army also confirmed that the editor was not within their custody.
A joint outcry has been raised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, along with other concerned parties, regarding the journalist’s disappearance.
FirstNews management sent a letter to the Chief of Defence Staff, seeking information about their editor’s whereabouts.
Signed by the publisher, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the letter titled “Arrest and Detention of Mr. Segun Olatunji, Editor FirstNews” requested transparency regarding the journalist’s status and urged access for his family, medical team, and legal representatives.