The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti State Council has demanded the immediate release of its member that was allegedly picked up by operatives of the Department of State Service.
The Union stated this on Wednesday at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti following the arrest of one of its member and General Manager of Our People’s FM, Yemi Agbeleoba.
The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi explained that Agbeleoba was arrested in the wee hours of Wednesday by operatives of the DSS, which is connected to the ongoing alleged sexual harassment scandal involving the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
The NUJ Chairman, who described the move by the DSS as a deliberate harassment and victimization of Journalists condemned the dastardly act.
He therefore called for the immediate release of its member within 24 hours or risk blacklisting FUOYE by Journalists in the State.
He said: “We want to call on the attention of the public and concerned stakeholders in our dear country to a situation that can be best described as deliberate harassment, victimization of a member of the union.
“Yesterday night, a member of our union, Dr. Agbeleoba was arrested by officers of DSS in his house. As much as we want to appreciate the DSS for professionalism that they’ve actually displayed, we express our deep concern and condemn the manner with which Dr Agbeleoba was arrested.
“The arrest brought a lot concerns and raised a lot of questions. We are concerned on why Agbeleoba has not been invited knowing fully well that he is a known personality in Ekiti State.
“We wonder the haste and what could have actually warranted the manner with which he was picked up at the night in his house yesterday.
“Today, we met with the Director of DSS and we can confirm to you that Yemi Agberioba is currently in the custody of DSS in Ado Ekiti.
“However, from all investigation and indications the union can confirm that the arrest of Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba is connected to the current sexual harassment saga against the VC of FUOYE, Prof. Fasina.
“During our chat with the Director, we were made to understand vividly that Agbeleoba was arrested because he suspected that he was one of the lead voices on the WhatsApp platform created in FUOYE which has, according to them being raising voice against the VC.
“The Union is calling on the management of FUOYE and DSS to release him with immediate effect. Hiding under cyber bully to shut people will not be tolerated. It is an attempt to victimize and cover up the case. We want to prevail on the DSS to call on the VC and his loyalist to order.”