The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) has condemned what it described as an attempt by the Nigeria Police, under the influence of the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratia, “to intimidate a reputable, credible, independent and objective online news medium, PREMIUM TIMES.”

In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday, CSNAC Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju said the offices of PREMIUM TIMES were invaded and ransacked by Police officers from the FCT Command, purportedly acting on a petition bothering on ‘criminal defamation’ from the Chief of Army Staff. “This unprofessional action of the Police is reprehensible, disgraceful and stands condemned. A petition, irrespective of position occupy the author, is not a court order or judgement for police enforcement. The subject of any petition is entitled to the fundamental rights of ‘presumption of innocence’ and should only be invited by the police. The employment of arrest and detention is a last resort against a subject who dishonours invitation or attempts to elope.

“This harassment is becoming a trend. It sacks of an attempt at using the Police to intimidate dissenting voices and stifle public opinion on government actions and inactions. Two weeks back, it was against the Publisher of Saharareporters, Omoyele Sowore in Lagos. The invasion and arrest of PREMIUM TIMES Publisher, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, and a reporter of the online newspaper is odious, undemocratic and ominous threat to freedom of expression, free press and fundamental right to know.

“CSNAC therefore wish to alert President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police to the implacable implications of this government’s attempt at declaring hostilities and threats against the civil society and media. No government ever survive such war, not even military juntas,” the group said.

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