SSS arrests journalist for reporting Dapo Abiodun’s violent, financial crimes in U.S.
The State Security Service (SSS) has arrested a journalist and publisher of eaglesforesight.com.ng, Olamilekan Hammed, for publishing stories on Governor Dapo Abiodun’s criminal activities in the U.S.
The City of Miami Police Department in the United States filed criminal charges against Dapo Abiodun in 1986, according to newly-released police files seen by Peoples Gazette.
But the embattled governor insisted his arrest was not sufficient grounds for his disqualification by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Festus Ogun, the journalist’s lawyer, said Mr Hammed was invited for questioning regarding the publications, which he was forced to pull down from his website on Friday.
The journalist has not been released by the SSS since his arrest, according to Mr Ogun.
“Mr Hammed was invited for questioning by the service on Friday, an invitation which he honoured, having nothing to fear as a law-abiding citizen and public-interest journalist,” said Mr Ogun in a statement on Sunday. “The supposed invitation bordered on reports published by the blogger exposing the criminal activities of Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun state in the United States.”
The lawyer further alleged that the journalist had been subjected to torture, harassment and intimidation since his arrest.
“Mr Hammed, since arrested, has continued to face unjust harassment, torture and intimidation for merely doing his job as a citizen journalist after being forced to pull down the story from his website,” noted Mr Ogun. “The public must observe the continuous desecration of the sacred principles of fair trial and right to legal representation by state agents incited by Mr Abiodun in an attempt to remedy his disgraceful past.”
The lawyer condemned the violation of the Mr Hammed’s rights by the SSS, insisting that journalism is not a crime in Nigeria.
“The earlier invitations, recent arrest and subsequent detention of Prince Olamilekan Hammed by the SSS is completely illegal and a naked abuse of power. Sections 34, 35 and 39 of the 1999 constitution are clear on this,” Mr Ogun asserted.
The SSS denied arresting and torturing Mr Hammed.
“There is no Hammed held by the DSS, and you know this to be the truth,” SSS spokesman Peter Afunnaya told Peoples Gazette on Monday.
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
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
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.”
NationWide
Aviation unions oppose FG’s plan to abolish 5% ticket, cargo sales charges
Mr Ocheme said that any review of aviation charges must follow transparent statutory procedures.
States
NAFDAC warns Imo patent medicine dealers against selling fake, expired drugs
According to the NAFDAC boss, commercial interests must never justify endangering public health.
Economy
N1,300/$1: Naira would have become worthless without my policy, Tinubu says
Mr Tinubu announced the unification of exchange rates a few days into his administration in 2023.
Lagos
Customs boss decries 20-year abandonment of power equipment at ports
Mr Adeniyi described the abandonment of equipment procured with public funds as irresponsible.
NationWide
2027: INEC chairman restates commitment to improved staff welfare
Mr Amupitan disclosed that the commission had introduced a new salary structure.
NationWide
Atiku sold Nigeria’s assets as VP, will sell country if elected president: Wike
Mr Shaibu challenged the minister to identify the specific national assets Mr Abubakar allegedly sold.
