The Nigerian Police have released Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist, John Okunyomih, who was detained on Monday while covering the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
Okunyomih, who was reportedly assaulted by security operatives, had his camera damaged and his mobile phone confiscated during the operation near the Transcorp Hilton area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking shortly after his release, he recounted the ordeal.
"I have been released. They damaged my camera, seized my mobile phone, and forcefully removed my gas mask.
"I was covering the protest near Transcorp Hilton when they came and arrested me. It took the intervention of the French Embassy, who spoke to them while they were holding me. They cautioned them not to touch any journalists,"he told SaharaReporters.
Earlier reports indicated that two AFP journalists, an American, Nicholas Roll, and Okunyomih, had been arrested while performing their duties at the protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
While Roll was released earlier, Okunyomih remained in police custody until Monday afternoon, reports added.
Their arrest came amid a wider clampdown by police on protesters and observers. Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, were also detained during the protest.
"The PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu's brother, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, as well as innocent bystanders.
"We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Street, Gariki 2, Abuja," Ejimakor had said on Monday morning.
Subsequently, Human rights activist and convener of the Take It Back Movement, Omoyele Sowore, condemned the arrests and accused the police of targeting journalists and peaceful demonstrators.
"The team deployed to brutalise #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, as well as innocent bystanders," Sowore posted on social media, calling for their immediate release.
The police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrests or the reported damage to journalists’ equipment.
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