Publisher of the Summit Post
In the early hours of January 1, 2022, Mr. Nelson Omonu, a publisher and staff of Summit Post, an online newspaper, was arrested in his home in Abuja in a commando-style attack by security operatives believed to be working on the orders of the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University in Dutsin-ma in Katsina State, Prof. Armayau Hamisu-Bichi, over a story he published on sex for marks and admission racketeering at the University. He was driven to Katsina State under inhumane conditions, although there was no invitation previously extended to him.
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council reacting to the incident in a statement issued the following day signed by its chairman, Emmanuel Ogbeche and Secretary, Ochiaka Ugwu asked Prof. Hamisu-Bichi to order for the immediate release of Nelson or charge him to court without further delay adding that, the NUJ will hold him wholly responsible if anything untoward happens to Omonu while in Katsina.
The NUJ FCT Council said it was “surprising that an academic will descend into the arena of Area Boyism and use state apparatus in such a reckless and abhorrent manner to arrest a journalist and citizen for that matter.”
The Union said the Vice-Chancellor will do well by directing the instrument of his office towards promoting excellence in his University as well as promote the rule of law and decency.
It urged the VC to direct his energy towards addressing issues of cultism and infrastructural development in the University rather than resort to such primitive tactics and impunity.
The Union said: “If the VC feels too strongly on the alleged story on sex for marks and admission racketeering on the University, he should have gone to Court and not act in a manner that is crass and anti-media.
