Police detention of journalist for refusing to reveal source sparks public outrage

The continued detention of Samuel Ogundipe, a journalist with Premium Times by the police has sparked public outrage.

Ogundipe was arrested around 3 pm on Tuesday and detained for refusing to reveal the source of an article he wrote on a confidential letter from the Inspector General of police, Ibrahim Idris, to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

The letter had detailed IDP Idris’ investigation on how sacked DSS Director General Lawal Daura allegedly ordered the blockade at the National Assembly about two weeks ago.

Premium Times said its editor-in-chief and another reporter were also detained but released within a few hours. The newspaper said while in custody, they heard police asking Ogundipe for the source of the letter.

It added that police had frozen Ogundipe’s bank account.

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It is not the first time newsmen in Nigeria would be hounded by the police over news reportage.

Jones Abiri remains in DSS custody since 2016, and has only been taken to court this year after public outrage. His two years in detention have been without trial or family visits.