In a bold move to protest the prolonged detention of journalist Seun Odunlami, the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has instructed its members to close their accounts with Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTBank) immediately.
The directive comes amid growing discontent over Odunlami’s detention in connection with an investigative report involving the bank and its CEO, Segun Agbaje.
Odunlami, detained at Ikoyi Correctional Center for over a month alongside three others, is being held on bailable charges, yet efforts to secure his release have been unsuccessful.
NUJ Ogun State Chairman, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, voiced his frustration on Monday, condemning the situation as a violation of Odunlami’s fundamental human rights.
“Odunlami’s offense is bailable, and his continued detention for over seven weeks is an abuse of power,” Olarenwaju declared at the council’s secretariat in Iwe Iroyin, Abeokuta.
“The manner in which he was detained is alarming. Institutions meant to protect citizens are being used for personal agendas.”
Olarenwaju further called on the Federal Government and National Assembly to amend the Cybercrime Act of 2024, noting that it has been misused to target journalists.
“The law has been weaponized against the media with frivolous charges. This is not just an infringement of rights but a grave violation of justice and democracy,” he said.
The NUJ leader urged all journalists in Ogun State, including affiliated chapels, to close their GTBank accounts and encouraged other state councils to support the cause.
“It’s our collective responsibility to ensure fair treatment under the law,” Olarenwaju emphasized.
The NUJ’s stand has drawn attention to the ongoing struggle for media freedom in Nigeria, with advocates calling for greater protection of journalists facing intimidation over their investigative work.
