By Tayo Orisankoko
The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed its members to close their accounts with Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTBank), effective immediately, in response to the prolonged detention of one of its members, Seun Odunlami.
Odunlami was arrested in connection with an investigative report involving the bank and its Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje.
Odunlami, along with Previous Eze, Rowland Olonishuwa and Olawale Rotimi has been in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Center for over seven weeks. Efforts to secure bail have reportedly been unsuccessful, despite the alleged offense being classified as bailable.
Speaking at the NUJ secretariat in Abeokuta on Monday, the Council Chairman, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, expressed concern over the detention.
He emphasized that the detention period violates Odunlami’s fundamental human rights and urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review the Cybercrime Act of 2024, which he said has been weaponized against journalists through unwarranted legal charges.
“It is with a heavy heart that I address the continued detention of our colleague under questionable circumstances,” Olarenwaju stated.
“This case appears to reflect a disturbing trend where the police force is being exploited by powerful entities, leading to unlawful detentions that undermine justice and democracy.”
He further alleged that Odunlami’s detention is a misuse of authority, warning that such actions are an infringement on citizens’ rights.
“The charges are bailable, yet Odunlami remains in custody, caught in a system that has denied him justice.”
Olarenwaju called on all journalists in Ogun State, as well as other NUJ chapters, to join in the protest by closing their GTBank accounts. “I urge all Ogun State journalists to shut down their GTBank accounts immediately, including those across all chapels under this council. We need to stand together against this injustice.”
The NUJ leader also appealed to individuals with relevant information or influence to support the cause.
“Our responsibility as a society is to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is not compromised by affiliations or power,” he added.
