The Editor of KOGI Reports, Opeyemi Owoeye, was arrested on Thursday by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following the publication of a report concerning the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Kogi West.
According to information made available by KOGI Reports, the arrest was linked to a story alleging that House of Representatives member, Hon. Leke Abejide, was seeking to influence the outcome of the APC senatorial primary through the office of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The publication further alleged that the lawmaker directed security operatives to effect the journalist’s arrest. However, as of press time, neither Abejide nor the NSCDC had publicly confirmed the claim.
Sources familiar with the matter said Owoeye was taken into custody and remained detained pending further directives. No official statement had been issued by the NSCDC outlining the legal basis for the arrest or detention.
The development has raised concerns among media stakeholders and press freedom advocates, particularly as it comes amid growing scrutiny of the relationship between public officials and journalists covering politically sensitive issues.
KOGI Reports also referenced a previous incident in which a political associate was allegedly detained after questioning constituency political arrangements involving the federal lawmaker. The publication noted that Abejide did not publicly respond to inquiries regarding that matter at the time.
Sources close to Owoeye’s family described the arrest as distressing, noting that his late father was a supporter of the lawmaker. They further alleged that efforts to secure the journalist’s release were delayed, with bail reportedly dependent on further instructions.
Attempts to obtain comments from Hon. Abejide and the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has continued to generate reactions from media practitioners and civil society groups, with calls for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest and for respect for constitutional protections relating to freedom of expression and press freedom.
As of press time, Owoeye’s legal status remained unclear, while calls persisted for the authorities to clarify the grounds for his detention.