By #FreeOkanlawonTaiwo! Human Rights Activists Call For Release Of Journalist Arrested In The Line Of Duty
Following the incident that took place in Iwo,Osun state on Thursday 23rd August, 2018 , where Federal Special Anti-Robery Squad (FSARS) allegedly shot one Tunde Nafiu, few days after the celebration of Sallah, leading to the burning down of the SARS office by the irate youths in Iwo town, some unlawful arrest where made by the security operatives which included Taiwo Okanlawon.
Following the arson FSAR invaded the community and arrested 21 youths found at the crime scene including Taiwo Okanlawon who was at the scene to have an on the ground report of the developing story.
While speaking with BlackBox Nigeria on the development, Toheeb Adetunji, said it is exactly eight days since the unlawful arrest and detention took place. It was gather that the arrest took place on the orders of the Commissioner of Police in Osun.
“The Police in the process of the carrying out their investigation arressted Taiwo Okanlawon, a journalist with Nigerian Politics Online alongside 20 innocent youths. Taiwo Okanlawon is a staff of Nigerian Politics Online and an indigene of Iwo,Osun state. He was at the scene to cover the reports of what transpired earlier when was arrested.
“The police refused to yield to his pleas even when he identified himself as a journalist courtesy of his identity card hung around his neck,” he told BlackBox Nigeria.
The police acting on the commissioners order moved the arrested suspects from Iwo police command to Osun State Police headquarters on Ring Road Oshogbo. Making efforts to get Taiwo Okanlawon and the 21 others bail difficult.
When sympathizers made effort, they were told the Osun State commissioner for Police was on an official trip since the time of arrest till Wednesday. It was alleged that he gave an order that nothing should be done until he return from his officials trip.
BlackBox Nigeria gathered that on his arrival on Wednesday 28, August, the Commissioner organized a press conference on Thursday 29th August,where he told members of the public and families of those in captive that the OLUWO of Iwoland has the final say on their release.
Upon hearing this , prominents Sons of Iwo and Human rights Activists paid a visitation to the OLUWO’s palace to discuss on their release on Friday 29th August. They implored the Monach to take swift response to the release of those in detention within 24 hours or go ahead to get a court order on Monday September 3, 2018.
