Ogun NUJ Worries Over Continued Incarceration Of Seun Odunlami, Other Journalists In Alleged GTBank Cyberstalking - EDU-BIZNEWS

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Ogun NUJ Worries Over Continued Incarceration Of Seun Odunlami, Other Journalists In Alleged GTBank Cyberstalking





Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concern over what it described as  continuous incarceration of colleagues, Seun Odunlami and others, over an 'offence' that is bailable and not criminal.

Edu-Biznews recalls that Seun, the publisher of Newsjaunts, was arrested on September 25, 2024 along with three other journalists, for publishing a report alleging GTBank CEO Segun Agbaje's involvement in a N1 trillion fraud!

They were charged under the Cybercrimes Act, a move widely criticized by NUJ and right activists who are calling for immediate abrogation of the obnoxious law/act.

But Secretary of the State Council of NUJ, Comrade Bunmi Adigun in a statement who expressed the concern of the union in the statement over the detention of one of its members, Seun Odunlami , assured that the state council under the leadership of Comrade Wale Olarewaju was working closely with National Secretarat of NUJ led by its President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, to ensure his release while being careful not to interfere with the ongoing case in court 

"While we are careful to interfere in the court processes, we wish to express our deepest concern about his detention and also assure you all that we are working tirelessly with the National Secretariat under the leadership of our President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, to ensure his prompt release"

The State NUJ recalled its previous efforts at ensuring the release of Seun, which included asking members to withdraw their personal accounts with Guaranty Trust Bank and seeking legal assistance of  highly respected, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chief Kunle Kalejaiye 

"You will recall that the Ogun Council of NUJ, which he belongs to, have, since his detention, made several efforts at ensuring his release. We have addressed a widely covered and well used press conference even demanding that our members banking with GTB should withdraw their relationship with them, we have gone, through the assistance and sphere of influence of Mr. Foluso Adelaja of The Post, contacted Chief Kunle Kalejaiye SAN, who appeared in court with other two SAN for Seun and other three without a penny. These efforts go to underscore the fact that, at no given time, we ever abandoned our friends and colleagues", the union stated 

"Interestingly, our President, who at that time was campaigning to be President, picked interest in their case and have since then taken it upon himself to ensure their release. Just about two weeks ago, the National President met with the leadership of GTbank and a positive result, which enlivened the spirits of our colleagues, was achieved"

The State NUJ reassured its members of the commitment of the union in the ongoing effort to ensure the release of Seun, saying the union is fully aware of anxiety and frustration of members over the situation 

"We understand the anxiety and frustration this situation has caused among our colleagues, and we share in your concerns, believing strongly in the submission of a scholar who said "Comrades, do not rejoice if they come for me in the morning, it may be your time in the evening". Therefore, we are all in it together but lots of efforts we cannot disclose on this platform".
 

"Please, know today that the NUJ, under the leadership of Comrade Alhassan Yahya, President of NUJ,  is committed to advocating for Seun's release and ensuring that his rights are protected throughout this ordeal"

"We appreciate the outpouring of support from our colleagues, activists, and the general public. We urge everyone to continue advocating for Seun's freedom and the protection of press freedom in Nigeria"

"The Ogun Council of the NUJ, under the humble leadership of Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, will continue to monitor developments in Seun's case and provide updates as necessary. We remain hopeful that he will soon be reunited with his family and colleagues", the union reassured 

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