By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Earlier this year, on February 11, 2024, Tokunbo Wahab, the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced on his social media handle that crossing highways is an offense in Lagos State. He instructed the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) and other law enforcement officials to arrest and charge anyone caught crossing the highway, emphasizing the importance of using pedestrian bridges.
On April 18, 2024, I was arrested by LAGESC officers, also known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KIA), while reporting on the compliance of Lagosians with the pedestrian bridge rule at Onipan area of Lagos State. Despite identifying myself as a Sparklightnews reporter and showing my ID card, I was detained and forced to unlock my device. The officers deleted my photos, claiming I needed permission from their office to film their activities.
https://thesparklightng.com/how-fidelity-bank-manager-ordered-police-to-harras-detain-sparklight-news-reporter-covering-cash-scarcity-in-banks/
This is the second time in five months that I have been arrested for doing my job as a journalist in Lagos.
On this World Press Freedom Day, my experience highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria and the need for greater protection and support. I urge authorities to respect the fundamental right to freedom of the press and expression, and to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.”