(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ press release of 3 May 1999: **Updates IFEX alerts of 30 April, 28 April 1999, and 17 February 1999; for background on other cases involving Arogundade see IFEX alerts of 3 March 1998 and 28 August 1997**
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ press release of 3 May 1999:
**Updates IFEX alerts of 30 April, 28 April 1999, and 17 February 1999; for
background on other cases involving Arogundade see IFEX alerts of 3 March
1998 and 28 August 1997**
<P.
Media Release
IFJ Calls on Outgoing Nigerian Authorities to Release NUJ Lagos Chairman
The IFJ today called on General Abubakar to release Lanre Arogundade,
Chairman of Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Lagos
Chapter. Mr Arogundade, was arrested at his home on 25 April, allegedly in
relation to the murder of Bolade Fasasi.
This is the second arrest of Mr Arogundade this year. In February, he was
detained at a time when he had been receiving death threats as a result of
his NUJ activities. His current detention coincides with planned activities
for todayâs celebrations of World Press Freedom Day in Nigeria.
As Chairman of Lagos Chapter of the NUJ he was to attend the launch of the
publication Fourth Estate which is sponsored by the Commission of the
European Union and is part of the IFJâs Media for Democracy in Nigeria
programme. The publication launch was to coincide with the official opening
of the IFJ Press Centre in Lagos.
“We believe that Lanre is being persecuted for his activities for the NUJ
and in defence of press freedom in Nigeria. He has been arrested solely on
the word of known political opponents, some of whom work for Federal
Government establishments. We believe that there are no independent grounds
for his arrest” said Aidan White, General Secretary of the IFJ.
“We are very concerned that Lanre has been held for over a week, without
charge, by authorities which are soon to lose power in Nigeria. Nobody
should feel comforted that there will be a change of leadership in 27 days.
A lot can happen in that time, particularly when political vested interests
are behind the arrest. He must be released immediately” concluded Mr White.
The IFJ has also called for the release of the editor of the Weekend Diet,
John Osaze-Langley, who was arrested on 2 May in relation to a story on the
reasons for resignation of the Inspector General of Police.
Further information from +32 2 223 2265.
The IFJ is the worldâs largest organisation of journalists representing more
than 450,000 journalists in 100 countries.
