The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos has condemned the police brutality on Olukayode Jaiyeola a Photojournalist with Punch Newspaper while covering a peaceful protest to mark Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary at the Maryland Area of Lagos State.
This was stated in a statement signed by the Program Officer/Safety Desk Officer, IPC, Melody Lawal on October 2, 2020.
BONEWS Service recalled that a policeman, Innocent Adadu hit Jaiyeola’s head with a baton, which immediately made him collapse, with blood gushing out of his injured skull during live coverage of a peaceful protest in Lagos state.
IPC in the statement said, “We condemn the unwarranted the brutalization of the journalist in the course of his legitimate duty of covering a peaceful protest by a group of Nigerians, stated IPC
“Although we commend the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu for his prompt intervention over the matter, we hereby demand that the culprit should be prosecuted so that the assaulted journalists could have justice.”
IPC again calls on police officers and other security operatives to create a safe environment for journalists and other media professionals to carry out their duties unhindered.