Why We Arrested Premium Times Reporter – Police

The Nigerian police have said that the Premium Times reporter in their custody, Samuel Ogundipe, is being held for theft and unlawful possession of classified documents.

Ogundipe was apprehended on 14 August for alleged publication of a report authored by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

The report covers the investigation on the immediate past Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura.

Daura had authorised operatives of the DSS, an undercover security agency, to lay siege to the National Assembly, an action which resulted in his dismissal by acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

Explaining the reason police nabbed the journalist, topmost spokesman for the police, acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, on Thursday, said the documents were inimical to state and national security.

He added that Ogundipe was also being investigated and prosecuted under other offences which violate Official Secret Act, Cyber Crime Act, and the Penal Code Law for which he has volunteered statements and standing trial.

“The Nigeria Police force as a law abiding organisation will continue to ensure that the Rule of Law and its supremacy which are essentials of democracy prevails at all times,” Moshood said in a statement.

Moshood added that the force would also ensure that all Nigerians irrespective of profession, practice or carrier are subject to the same Law.

“Every concerned group(s) or interested person(s) should be aware that the matter is in court and the due process of law is being followed,” he added.

“The Nigeria police force and the media are veritable partners in ensuring peace, law and order in the country, but it will not compromise or allow an offender to go scot free or pervert the course of justice.”