Independence Day Protest: IPC condemns Police Brutality of Photojournalist
By David Onimisi Lawani , Abuja
The International Press Centre, IPC, Nigeria, has condemned the police brutality of Olukayode Jaiyeola, a Photojournalist with Punch Newspaper on October 1, 2020, while covering a peaceful protest to mark Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary at the Maryland Area of Lagos State.
Condemning the attack, Melody Lawal, Program/Safety Desk Officer, IPC, in a press release said such attached was unwarranted as the photojournalist was only doing a legitimate job that needs the protection of all including the security agents.
A report by The Punch Newspaper had earlier stated that, “The incident happened around 12:00 noon when a policeman, Innocent Adadu, hit Jaiyeola’s head with a baton, which immediately made him collapse, with blood gushing out of his injured skull.”
IPC disclosed further that it view the attack on the photojournalist as one that requires the condemnation from well meaning Nigerians so as to forestall future recurrence.
The statement reads: ” We condemn the unwarranted brutalization of the journalist in the course of his legitimate duty of covering a peaceful protest by a group of Nigerians.
” Although we commend the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu for his prompt intervention over the matter, we hereby demand that the culprit should be prosecuted so that the assaulted journalist could have justice.
“IPC again calls on police officers and other security operatives to create a safe environment for journalists and other media professionals to carry out their duties unhindered”, he said.
