This incident highlights ongoing tensions and raises concerns about press freedom and safety during protests in Lagos.
Suspected hoodlums, alleged to be linked to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, have harassed journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protest in Lagos, chasing them out of Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos. In a video posted by Omoyele Sowore on X, it was claimed that these thugs were connected to Governor Sanwo-Olu.
The video’s caption by Sowore stated, “Tinubu and @jidesanwoolu thugs in Lagos harassing journalists on live TV! Unbelievable! #RevolutionNow.”
An account by Daily Trust reported that more than ten thugs attacked the crew of News Central Television, who were at the venue to monitor the situation. Despite protesters retreating earlier for a strategic meeting, the area remained under police surveillance, and businesses had resumed operations.
When the News Central crew arrived, police directed them to leave the park. They relocated to a distant location to continue their live broadcast. During the broadcast, the journalists were confronted by hoodlums wielding sticks and shovels, who assaulted several reporters and forced them to flee.
One journalist recounted, “The policemen stationed around the park did nothing as we were harassed.”
In response, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, ordered an immediate investigation. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development in an X post, stating, “The Commissioner of Police @LagosPoliceNG, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into this incident. He mandated the investigating team to fish out the miscreants and ensure their prosecution accordingly.”
He added that the directive was given after the crew involved, led by News Central MD Kayode Akintemi, submitted an official complaint letter at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.