Journalist persecuted by Ogun governor terribly ill after release
Olamilekan Bashiru, an Ogun state-based journalist who was recently released from prison, is severely ill and has turned to his associates to raise funds for his treatment.
Spending 138 days at the Ibara facility of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Mr Bashiru was arrested by the State Security Service (SSS) in May after his website republished a story that detailed the criminal records of the state’s governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Although Mr Bashiru was granted bail by Abeokuta’s Division of the Federal High Court on June 21, the conditions, which included N3 million bail bond, and two senior civil servants as sureties, were very stringent and could not be met by his associate. The bail condition, according to his lawyer, Festus Ogun, was a deliberate effort to prolong his incarceration.
While in SSS detention and after his transfer to prison, Mr Bashiru was repeatedly tortured and held in inhumane conditions, deprived of sleep, clean water and other basic needs for human survival, Peoples Gazette learnt.
Upon his release on Wednesday, he was diagnosed with malaria, severe typhoid and other infections.
“His health condition worsens by the minute, and the family has already spent much on the case with almost no resource left to take care of him,” Festus Afofun, a close associate of Mr Bashiru, told The Gazette.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Health
Kaduna: Group intensifies campaign against maternal deaths through childbirth spacing
The Centre for Communication and Social Impact, through the Faith and Cultural Champions Project, has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Kaduna.
Politics
Gov Yusuf condoles with APC national secretary over mother’s death
Governor Abba Yusuf condoled with APC’s national secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, over the death of his mother, Sidikat Basiru.
Rights
Divorce: Abuja housewife promises to return bride price to estranged husband
“My Lord, I have no peace in my marriage. My husband beats me constantly. He does not provide for me. I have seen it: he does not love me anymore,” the plaintiff said.
States
Gov Oborevwori celebrates Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu, at 49
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has described the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu, as a traditional ruler whose reign has been marked by peace, unity and sustained progress.
Africa
June 30 Xenophobic Protest: Ramaphosa begs South Africans not to act violently against Black foreigners
South African President has appealed to South Africans planning anti-immigration protests on Tuesday not to act violently against foreign Black nationals in the country.
Health
Five important ways to stay cool, hydrated during heatwave as thousands die
As the WHO works with countries to address the growing threat posed by heatwaves, health officials have suggested five important ways to stay cool and hydrated.
