Human Rights Group, Amnesty International has demanded the immediate release of the publisher of online news medium Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi and its judiciary correspondent, Evelyn Okakwu.
Both journalists were arrested on Thursday evening by the Police following a complaint by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.
In a statement on Twitter, the agency said, “We have received disturbing reports that Nigerian security operatives have raided office of Premium Times and arrested two staff.
“Reasons for this arrest is not yet known but we are calling on Nigerian security to release Dapo Olorunyomi and Evelyn Okakwu.
“Nigerian security should ensure that they release Dapo Olorunyomi and Evelyn Okakwu or charge them to court immediately.
“We are calling on the authorities to ensure that the two journalists are granted access to their lawyers and families.
“Amnesty international will investigate the circumstances of this raid and the arrests of the journalists.”
1. We have received disturbing reports that #Nigerian security operatives have raided office of @PremiumTimesng & arrested two staff.
— Amnesty Int. Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) January 19, 2017
2. Reasons for this arrest is not yet known but we are calling on Nigerian security to release @DapsyOly and EvelynOkakwu @PremiumTimesng
— Amnesty Int. Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) January 19, 2017
3. Nigerian security shld ensure that they release @DapsyOly and Evelyn Okakwu or charge them to court immediately. @PremiumTimesng
— Amnesty Int. Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) January 19, 2017
4. We are calling on the authorities to ensure that the two journalists are granted access to their lawyers and families.@PremiumTimesng
— Amnesty Int. Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) January 19, 2017
5. Amnesty international will investigate the circumstances of this raid and the arrests of the journalists.@PremiumTimesng @DapsyOly
— Amnesty Int. Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) January 19, 2017
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
@PremiumTimesng let them come and release him na..how hv they released Julian Assange who published facts but has bn on the run….
@PremiumTimesng You are not above the law.