Olatunji was reportedly whisked away by 10 armed men in his home at Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos State.
Multiple checks by his families, Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) confirmed that he was taken into custody by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Several calls and appeals were made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to activate the powers of his office as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to direct the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to produce Segun.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and other relevant stakeholders have condemned Olatunji’s abduction, noting that it was a threat to freedom of the press.
A statement signed by the Assistant National Secretary, NUJ, Akorede Opeyemi, said: “The disappearance of Segun Olatunji, the editor of First News newspapers, is another sad reminder of the danger being faced daily by journalists in the line of duty.
“Eyewitness reports had it that Olatunji was taken away last Friday in his Lagos home in the presence of his family by 10 fully armed men, two of whom were dressed in military uniform.
“Although it is not clear which agency of government was responsible for the arrest of the journalist, we believe that freedom of the press and opinion remain defining elements of the rule of law and democracy.
“For this reason, the Nigerian government needs to work to protect freedom of the press and freedom of movement for media professionals. Safety and security of journalists are very important.”
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