By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has issued a strong condemnation of the reported assaults on journalists who were covering the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja. In a statement released on Thursday, FOSAD described the attacks as “a grave assault on press freedom, democracy, and fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.”
According to verified reports, several journalists from reputable media outlets were allegedly harassed, beaten, and had their equipment seized by security operatives while performing their legitimate duties. FOSAD decried the incident as unlawful and a reflection of growing intolerance for dissenting voices in Nigeria, warning that such developments represent “a dangerous descent into authoritarian tendencies.”
The forum noted that the protest, organized by civil rights groups and concerned citizens, sought the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose continued detention persists despite multiple court rulings ordering his release. Rather than engage the protesters constructively, FOSAD alleged that security agents resorted to “intimidation and violence,” thereby worsening Nigeria’s human rights reputation globally.
FOSAD also expressed deep concern over reports that Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, and Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, his lawyer, were arrested and are currently being held at Kuje Correctional Facility. The forum demanded their immediate and unconditional release, stressing that “there is no legal or moral justification for their continued incarceration.”
The group emphasized that suppressing legitimate dissent only deepens alienation among citizens of the South-East and undermines national unity. “The continued disobedience to court orders on Nnamdi Kanu’s release erodes public confidence in the justice system and weakens the moral authority of the state,” the statement read.
FOSAD further expressed solidarity with journalists who continue to report the truth despite threats, calling on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil society organizations, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take a firm stand against these violations. “Any attempt to silence journalists is an attempt to silence democracy itself,” the forum warned.
The statement concluded by urging the Federal Government to embrace dialogue, inclusion, and justice as the only path toward lasting peace. “The case of Nnamdi Kanu has become a test of Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and federal fairness. The refusal to obey court orders sends a disturbing message that justice is negotiable,” FOSAD cautioned.
Newspot Nigeria reports that FOSAD reaffirmed its belief that national transformation can only be sustained through equity, rule of law, and respect for constitutional freedoms.
Original Statement by the Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
PRESS STATEMENT
FOSAD condemns assaults on journalists during #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, demands release of Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and lawyer
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) condemns in the strongest terms the reported assaults on journalists who were covering the peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held recently in Abuja. The attack on members of the press, whose professional duty is to inform the public, represents a grave assault on press freedom, democracy, and fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
According to verified reports, several journalists from reputable media houses were harassed, beaten, and had their equipment confiscated by security operatives while performing their legitimate duties. Such actions are both unlawful and unacceptable in a democratic society that claims adherence to the rule of law and respect for the rights of citizens.
FOSAD views these incidents as symptomatic of the growing intolerance for dissenting voices in Nigeria and a dangerous descent into authoritarian tendencies. Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest are cornerstones of democracy, not privileges to be granted at the discretion of state security agencies.
We recall that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest was organized by civil rights groups and concerned citizens demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in prolonged detention despite several court rulings ordering his release. Rather than address the legitimate grievances of the protesters, security agents reportedly responded with intimidation and violence — a development that has further dented Nigeria’s human rights record before the international community.
FOSAD is deeply concerned by reports that Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, were arrested and are currently detained at Kuje Correctional Facility following the protest.
The Forum unequivocally demands their immediate and unconditional release, as there is no legal or moral justification for their continued incarceration. The arrest and detention of individuals for exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly constitute a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of justice.
We remind the Federal Government and security agencies that no democracy thrives on the suppression of legitimate dissent. The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and the harassment of his associates, lawyers, and supporters only deepen feelings of alienation and resentment among citizens of the South-East, thereby aggravating tensions in an already fragile federation.
We also remind the Federal Government that the continuous disobedience to court orders on Nnamdi Kanu’s release undermines public confidence in the justice system and erodes the moral authority of the state. The rule of law cannot coexist with selective obedience or political interference. The government must demonstrate that no individual or institution is above the law.
The Forum expresses solidarity with members of the Nigerian press who remain committed to truth-telling despite threats and intimidation. We urge the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil society organizations, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to speak out strongly against these abuses and ensure that journalists are protected in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
The media must remain free to report events without fear of reprisal. Any attempt to silence journalists is an attempt to silence democracy itself. FOSAD reaffirms its unwavering belief that information and civic engagement are vital instruments of development, peace, and justice.
As scholars and advocates of equity, justice, and national transformation, FOSAD reminds the Federal Government that lasting peace in Nigeria cannot be achieved through force, intimidation, or suppression. It can only be built through dialogue, inclusion, and justice.
The case of Nnamdi Kanu has long transcended personal or political interests — it has become a test of Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and federal fairness. The persistent refusal to obey court orders and the brutalization of peaceful citizens send a disturbing message that justice is negotiable. This perception must be corrected immediately if national unity and trust are to be restored.
Signed:
Dr Stephen Nwala, President, FOSAD
Dr Uzor Ngoladi, Secretary General, FOSAD
