A reporter reporting for Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) Emmanuel Uti, has been detained by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) annexe in Lagos State.
According to FIJ, the police are accusing its reporter of criminal conspiracy and cyberbullying over a report published on November 28, 2024.
The report in question revealed how a Lagos-based man paid N4 million to Expedia Consult’s Beverly Basil for Canada admission in 2023, only for her to disappear with the money.
The police had invited Uti in a letter dated December 16, 2024, which was signed by DCP Ibrahim Jibrin, Deputy Commissioner of Police (administration) for the Assistant Inspector General of FCID Annex, Alagbon.
The invitation letter partly read: “The Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex Lagos is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy and Cyberbullying in which the need to obtain certain clarification from you has become imperative.
“It is requested that You hereby invited to present yourself at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, located at Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Upon your arrival, please report to SP MAGAJI IBRAHIM, who is assigned to the T.LU Section. SP IBRAHIM will be available to attend to your matter. provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020
“Your presence will assist advancing the course of Criminal Justice delivery and fairness. Should you require any clarification kindly contact 08038249713/09033551697. Please be advised that you are at liberty to come alongside with your lawyer (s).”
FIJ noted that Uti had honoured the police invitation to meet with SP Magaji Ibrahim for a supposed “fact-finding” activity, accompanied by one of its lawyers.
However, after spending hours answering questions, the police held him incommunicado, denying him access to calls and preparing to lock him up.
According to FIJ, as things stand, Uti is expected to be detained overnight, unless there’s a change in circumstances.
Meanwhile, this development raises concerns about press freedom and the potential intimidation of journalists in Nigeria by state actors.
FIJ revealed that it had contacted the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiywa Adejobi, regarding the issue, and he assured them that he would investigate the matter further.
