The IPC's Safety and Protection of Journalists hub appeals to media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to advocate for the safety of journalist Tayo Oyeladun.
This statement was originally published on ipcng.org on 3 February 2025.
IPC-SPJ DECRIES THREATS ON JOURNALIST TAYO OYELADUN’S LIFE; CONDEMNS INVASION OF JOY FM 96.5 OTUKPO
The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria is greatly concerned about reported threats on the life of Ibadan-based journalist Mr. Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM.
According to a report reaching the Safety Alert Desk of IPC, Oyeladun made the claim via a save my soul message posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, 30th January, 2023. He noted that the threat was related to a programme he anchored, tagged “Bosenlo” after which the CPS to Soun Ogbomoso reached out to one of his senior colleagues to express his grievances about the comments of one of the guests. Since then, he began to receive strange threatening calls.
“The past few days have been hard for me and my family. I am facing death threats for doing my job as a broadcast journalist. I believe in balance[d] opinion and free speech in a democratic setting. I’m living in a society where the system favours the elite and those in position of authority,” he alleged. “I have become a soft target in elite chess games and their pursuit of self-aggrandizement. There is pressure from high places to get me sacked of my job! If I lose my job or life, will they take care of my children and family? My offense? Being a child of nobody. Friend and family please keep praying for my safety,” he further stated.
IPC-SPJ is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Tayo Oyeladun and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies, especially the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State to ensure that he is not harmed in any way. IPC-SPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the comments made during the programme anchored by the journalist or his guest to seek redress through legal channels, instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help. IPC-SPJ therefore appeals to other media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for his safety.
IPC-SPJ is also condemning the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State government. “A team of heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station in two trucks, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and an official of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1pm network news bulletin was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast,” the report stated.
IPC-SPJ states that this incident is an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom and democracy. We are calling for an immediate investigation of this incident, especially the officials involved. The appropriate punishment should be meted on those found guilty.
SGD: Melody Akinjiyan
Press Freedom Officer, IPC
