Soldiers guarding out-going President Goodluck Jonathan’s private residence in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, yesterday molested and detained a journalist for attempting to take photographs of the mansions.

Mr Simon Utebor, of Punch Newspapers, was arrested by soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta and handed over to the police at Kolo Police Division, where he was questioned and transferred to the State Police Command.

News Express reports that he spent the night in a police cell and was yet to breathe the air of freedom as at the time of filing this report.

Utebor was apprehended by soldiers on guard duties while taking photographs of ongoing finishing work at the palatial residence constructed during the presidency of Dr. Jonathan, which expires today. He was assigned to monitor the level of preparedness for the homecoming of the President, who hands over to his electoral conqueror, Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Utebor, workers were seen working and putting finishing touches at the premises consisting of multiple blocks two-storey buildings when he attempted to record the scene to illustrate his story.

When contacted, the Spokesman of the Joint Task Force, Lt.-Col. Isa Ado, confirmed the arrest and subsequent handing over of the Punch Reporter to the police.

He said that the JTF Commander has ordered for the release of the reporter.

When contacted, Utebor confirmed his arrest in Otuoke and subsequent handing over to police and transfer to Police Headquarters but said that he was yet to regain his freedom.

“I have been transferred to the State CID, and I have written a statement on the incident and we are still waiting for the Police authourities,” Utebor said.

•Photo shows the detained journalist, Simon Utebor.

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