Falana demands release of journalist held by DSS

By John Chuks Azu

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has demanded release of a journalist, Lanre Arogundade, allegedly detained by the Department of State Services.

Arogundade, who left Nigeria on January 30 for Banjul, The Gambia, for a training on Conflict Reporting for Journalists organised by the UNESCO and the International Press Institute, was allegedly arrested at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

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Falana said no reason had been adduced for the arrest and detention, and his name was not on a watch list.

“We’ve equally confirmed that he did not commit any offence in The Gambia to warrant his arrest and detention by security agencies in Nigeria.

“Mr. Arogundade conducted himself as a law abiding citizen of Nigeria throughout his stay in The Gambia.

“Even though the State Security Service said that Mr. Arogundade has no right to enter Nigeria he has not been sent back to The Gambia or any other country that might have been adopted for him.

“Since the harassment of Mr. Arogundade cannot be justified, we’re compelled to demand for his immediate and unconditional release from the illegal custody of the State Security Service.”