A Lagos based Lawyer and civil rights activist, Ebun-olu Adegboruwa, has warned the Nigeria Police to desist from harassing journalists in the country.

Adegboruwa cited the case of Comrade Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, an online media, who has had a running battle with the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force in recemt times.

He pointed out that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution grants the right to freedom of expression and the press, to every citizen of Nigeria. “Section 22 places a great obligation on the media to hold government accountable to the people. This is what Sowore has been practicing, through the Sahara Reporters medium. And although I may not agree with all that the medium represents, I have no doubt in my mind that Comrade Sowore has impacted Nigeria and Nigerians, in many ways.

“I have very strong reasons to believe that he is currently being persecuted on account of his media activities. That should not be, especially under a democratic government governed by law.

“I am pleased that Sowore has agreed to honour the invitation by the police and that he has also expressed his readiness to face trial, if any.

“It is improper to use the machineries of state to intimidate any citizen. And it is for this reason that I will be joining Comrade Sowore at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti Street, Yaba, as an expression of my commitment to press freedom.

“I urge all our Comrade Lawyers and activists, to join us there. If it is established that Sowore has committed any offense known to law, then let the police do the needful and charge him to court.”

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