Reportedly, the individuals from the Office of the National Security Adviser who took and confiscated the camera and phones of NewsNow photojournalist, Kayode Jaiyeola, have not returned the items yet.
Despite numerous attempts by Jaiyeola to retrieve his belongings, including revisiting the NSA’s office, he was unsuccessful.
Jaiyeola mentioned that the security personnel at the gate barred his entry, even after explaining the situation to them.
According to him, his calls seeking assistance from the ONSA’s spokesperson went unanswered.
Sharing his experience, Jaiyeola stated, “I visited the NSA’s office earlier today in an attempt to retrieve my phones and camera, but I was denied entry to the premises.
“I tried to explain the situation to them, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. I also attempted to reach the spokesperson in hopes of intervention, but my calls went unanswered. Upon contacting the FCT command, I was informed that the NSA officials did not involve them.”
Despite multiple efforts to reach the ONSA’s spokesperson, Zakari Mijinyawa, no responses have been received. He has also not acknowledged the message sent to him at the time of compiling this report.
The officials who apprehended Jaiyeola were present at the EndbadgovernanceInNigeria protest on Thursday at Eagles Square, despite him showing his office identity card.
They then transported him to the FCT police command and instructed his detainment.
Jaiyeola mentioned that they disregarded his requests to contact his office or family and inform them of his situation.
When contacted on Thursday, the spokesperson for the FCT police command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the individuals were affiliated with the NSA’s office.
She further disclosed that Jaiyeola’s possessions were in the possession of the officials who brought him.