CPJ asks Police to release detained Premium Times’ reporter

Ogundipe: detained by the Police

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a statement condemning the arrest and detention of Premium Times reporter Samuel Ogundipe by the Nigerian Police.

In the statement issued on Wednesday, CPJ urged the Nigerian Police to immediately release the detained journalist.

Angela Quintal, CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, speaking from Johannesburg, South Africa said “CPJ is gravely concerned by reports that Premium Times journalist Samuel Ogundipe was detained by Nigerian Police yesterday for his reporting.

“Samuel Ogundipe must be released immediately without any condition and be allowed to report without fear of reprisal”.

Quintal said “Journalists are ethically bound not to disclose their confidential sources and the fact that police reportedly arrested him because he refused to name his source is outrageous.

“Samuel Ogundipe, is a journalist who is protecting his sources, and not a criminal. He must be freed now,” she added.

CPJ also “condemn the harasssment of his Premium Times colleagues and urge authorities to respect the right to a free press in Nigeria”.