Independence Day Protest: IPC Condemns Police Brutaliry on Photo Journalist

The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria, condemns the police brutality on Olukayode Jaiyeola a Photojournalist with Punch Newspaper, yesterday, October 1, 2020, while covering a peaceful protest to mark Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary at the Maryland Area of Lagos State.

A report by The Punch Newspaper states that, “The incident happened around 12:00 noon when a policeman, Innocent Adadu, hit Jaiyeola’s head with a baton, which immediately made him collapse, with blood gushing out of his injured skull.”

We condemn the unwarranted brutalization of the journalist in the course of his legitimate duty of covering a peaceful protest by a group of Nigerians.

Although we commend the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu for his prompt intervention over the matter, we hereby demand that the culprit should be prosecuted so that the assaulted journalist could have justice.

IPC again calls on police officers and other security operatives to create a safe environment for journalists and other media professionals to carry out their duties unhindered.