By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Osogbo— Senior media officials of the Osun State Government have filed a suit at the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, seeking the enforcement of their fundamental rights against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.
The applicants include the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, alongside other senior media aides serving under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
In the suit, the officials stated that actions by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have interfered with the lawful performance of their official responsibilities and exposed them to intimidation and threats of arrest.
According to the court filings, the applicants informed the court that there have been repeated attempts to deploy police operatives to restrict, suppress, and disrupt the activities of state media officials, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the August 8 governorship election in Osun State.
The applicants further stated that police actions were carried out in coordination with political actors linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC), resulting in arrests, summons, and threats directed at officials of the state government.
The suit was instituted under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, with the applicants requesting the court to protect their constitutionally guaranteed rights to personal liberty, dignity, freedom of expression, and lawful engagement in public service.
An affidavit in support of the application was deposed to by Mr. Hezekiah Oladele Olabamiji, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, who detailed instances of police conduct which he stated violated the applicants’ rights and created fear among government media personnel.
The officials maintained that the court action became necessary to prevent further violations as the election period approaches.
As of the time of filing this report, no formal response has been issued by the Nigeria Police Force.
Further updates are expected as proceedings commence.
— Newspot Nigeria
