10 journalists of a media organisation who were arrested in a joint operation by soldiers and SSS operatives on September 21 are yet to be released, PremiumTimes reports.
According to Taiye Garrick, publisher of the Watchdog News, his members of staff were in Benin to carry out a survey of voters and report on early preparations of INEC ahead of the Edo governorship election.
He said they were arrested at Douban Hotel in Benin, the Edo State capital.
Those arrested were Tony Abulu (Production Manager), Richard Hasley (Reporter), Opara Uche (Reporter), Handy Romeo Eze (Reporter), Kelvin Toryila (Video Editor), Lanre Ogunleye (IT associate), Balogun Ehigie (IT ), Kenneth Danpome (Head, IT), Mathew (Logistics Manager) and Joe Epi (Driver).
Garrick also claimed that they have been denied access to their lawyers.
The Army however released a statement signed by Spokesperson, Col. Sani Usman, stating that they were arrested for the possession of “quite a number of incriminating items including INEC sensitive materials.”
Garrick also alleged that he has received a number of threats asking him to report at the SSS office in Abuja.
A number of journalists have been arrested this year, including freelance journalist, Ahmad Salkida and a blogger, Jamil Mabai who is still in detention for criticizing the Katsina State government.
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