The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has condemned the reported assault of Sunday Michael Ogwu, Editor of Pinnacle Daily, allegedly by police officers and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) in Lugbe, Abuja.
The Centre is calling for a transparent, independent, and impartial investigation into the incident, which it described as a grave threat to press freedom and civic rights.
According to reports, Mr Ogwu was allegedly beaten with an electric cable and had his mobile phone destroyed during the encounter.
He has since sought medical attention for injuries sustained.
“A journalist who alleges that he was assaulted by security personnel should be able to seek medical attention, legal advice and support… without such actions being portrayed as an attempt to obstruct an investigation or mobilise public sentiment,” WSCIJ stated.
The Centre expressed concern over the response of the FCT Police Command, which in a statement on August 21 claimed that Ogwu “declined to honour (police) invitation” and instead circulated videos online.
WSCIJ described this approach as worrisome, insisting that journalists have the right to publicly speak about their experiences.
Mr Ogwu has reportedly indicated his willingness to honour the police invitation, accompanied by his lawyers.
WSCIJ urged the police to ensure his engagement is conducted with respect for his rights, dignity, and safety.
The Centre also linked the incident to broader challenges facing Nigeria’s civic space. Its 2025 report, Silenced Voices, Shrinking Space: Civic Freedoms Under Pressure, documented 245 violations against journalists and citizens, with the Nigeria Police identified as the most implicated agency.
Calling on Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, WSCIJ demanded that the investigation be placed under an independent mechanism outside the implicated command structure, with deployment records, patrol logs, CCTV, and body-camera footage reviewed. It also urged accountability measures, including an apology and compensation for Mr Ogwu’s destroyed device and medical expenses.
“This latest incident reinforces our concern that attacks on journalists are not isolated occurrences but part of a wider threat to democracy. Journalists must be able to investigate, report and document matters of public interest without intimidation, violence, or unlawful interference,” the Centre declared.
