4 journalists, others arrested in Lagos for protesting fuel hike
The Lagos state Police command have arrested protesters expressing their displeasure over the recent increase in petroleum price and electricity tariff.
18 members of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) and four journalists covering the protest against fuel hike and increase in electricity tariff, were arrested around the Ojuelegba area of Lagos on Thursday, September 10.
Also, gadgets of journalists were also seized at the protest, Daily Times gathered.
One of the leaders of the protesters, Hassan Soweto, who spoke to the Punch said, “We have just been arrested alongside several members of the Socialist Party of Nigeria and journalists for protesting this morning against fuel price hike, electricity tariff, and deregistration of SPN.
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”I am typing this message at the back of a police van taking us to Area C, Police Command, Lagos,” Soweto, who is the National Youth Leader of SPN, said.
In a statement, the National Organising Secretary of SPN, Dimeji Macaulay, identified some of those arrested as Dagga Tolar, Ayo Ademiluyi, Chinedu Bosah, Lexan Ali, Fidel Davynovich, Oluwole Engels, Soweto, and eight others.
He said, “We condemn this attack as part of the continuous descent of the country into a brutish state of military repression. It is completely unacceptable, and we enjoin all Nigerians interested in preserving this country’s hard-earned democracy to condemn this emboldened descent into a civilian-military dictatorship.
“We demand a public apology from the police for this ridiculous and unprofessional action taking against our comrades, and we ask that proper disciplinary measures be taken on those security officers involved.
“It’s important for you to note that Demonstrations and protests are a global phenomenon and are a part of the development of any society.”
Journalists arrested are: Ifeoluwa Adediran of Premium Times, Abiodun Ayeoba of Sharara Reporters, Awoniyi Oluwatosin of Objectv Media and Daniel Tanimu of Galaxy TV, whose camera was seized.
