By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
The Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the incessant harrassment and detention of former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and journalism guru, Mr Lanre Arogundade by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Directorate of State Department (DSS) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMA).
A statement credited to Mallam Mustapha Isah, president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, which totally condemned the harassment, however, confirmed Mr Arogundade has been left off the hook.
“I just spoke with the head of DSS at the airport through Lanre’s phone.
“He said it was a case of mistaken identity, and that they have no case against him.
“He has been released after an apology and his passport is about to be stamped for him to leave the airport.
“Lanre told me that this wasn’t the first time this was happening. I told the officer when a case of mistaken identity happens all the time, it means something is wrong.
“The Nigerian Guild of Editors totally condemns this harassment.
“Lanre Arogundade is doing a tremendous job in promoting media freedom in Nigeria. We are fully behind him,” he asserted.
Mr Arogundade, who’s the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), was detained by operatives of NIS) and DSS on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMA).
Arogundade was said to be returning from The Gambia after a training session with journalists.
In a tweet by the media guru, backed up with photos, he said he had just returned from Banjul where he had gone to train Gambian journalists on Conflict Sensitive Journalism only to be detained after touching the airport.
“This is me at the DSS office at International Airport Lagos where I’m being held or detained against my wish.
“I have just returned from Banjul where I went to train Gambian journalists on Conflict sensitive journalism.
“Ever since the days of military rule, I get molested by DSS and Immigration at the airport. This nonsense has to stop!,” he warned.
In another tweet in respect of Mr Arogundade’s detention, RevolutionNow leader, Omoyele Sowore, said Arogundade was told he had no right to return to Nigeria.
“President journalism guru, Lanre Arogundade detained at Murtala Mohammed International Airport by Immigration and DSS on his way from Gambia, told he had no right to enter Nigeria!,” he quipped.
What's your reaction?
