NUJ condemns alleged invasion of Enugu radio station by EFCC officials — News — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the Monday night invasion of the city radio station 94.5 FM in Enugu by armed operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The incident, which occurred during a live broadcast, saw the EFCC disrupt the program and allegedly abduct presenters, taking away communications equipment without providing any explanation.

Efforts to get a response from the EFCC on the matter were unsuccessful. According to a statement from Urban Radio management, EFCC operatives burst into the studio at around 6:35 p.m., interrupting the live “Prime-Time” program.

The channel reported that despite repeated requests, officials refused to disclose the reasons for their actions. The station has since committed to following up on this matter.

In response, the Enugu State Council of the NUJ issued a statement condemning the actions of the EFCC, describing the incident as deliberate harassment of journalists and an attack on their constitutional duties.

The statement, signed by NUJ President Dame Ifeoma Amuta, demanded the immediate release of all those arrested and insisted that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.

“The NUJ condemns this embarrassing action by EFCC officials at the media house and the subsequent arrest of the presenter of a live show, which disrupted the transmission,” the statement said.

Quoting NUJ President Sam Udekwe, Amuta described the actions of the EFCC as “unprofessional”, noting that such violent disruptions are reminiscent of military era tactics.

“No matter how serious the investigation, the EFCC should have waited until the end of the program. Extending this action to public facilities like a radio station while it is on air is unacceptable,” Udekwe said.

The NUJ further called for a thorough investigation into the incident and demanded a public apology from the EFCC for the embarrassment caused. The union also expressed concern over the growing trend of media intimidation by security forces, calling for an end to such actions.