An Ogun State-based journalist, Olajide Osoba, publisher of Newsangleonline, was allegedly assaulted by members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during the Workers Day Celebrations held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta.
*Details of the Incident*
- *Assault*: Osoba claimed that the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Azeez Adeyemi, ordered his boys to carry out the act, which Adeyemi vehemently denied.
- *Injuries*: The journalist sustained injuries, with blood on his shirts and running through his cheeks.
- *NUJ Condemnation*: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a direct attack on press freedom and the safety of journalists.
*NUJ's Response*
- *Temporary Blacklist*: The NUJ ordered a temporary blacklist on all coverage of NANS activities in the state until a thorough investigation is conducted.
- *Investigation*: The union called for immediate accountability of those responsible and urged NANS to cooperate in the investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future ¹ ² ³.
*Reactions*
- *Adeyemi's Denial*: The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Azeez Adeyemi, denied the allegations, stating he knew nothing about the incident.
- *NUJ's Commitment*: The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and safety of its members, underscoring the importance of journalist protection in a democratic society ¹.
