The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Nigeria, is deeply alarmed by reports of threats to the life of Ibadan-based journalist Mr. Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM.
According to a distress message shared on his Facebook page on Thursday, January 30, 2023, Oyeladun claimed that the threats were linked to a program he anchored, titled “Bosenlo.” Following the broadcast, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Soun of Ogbomoso reportedly contacted one of his senior colleagues to express dissatisfaction with comments made by a guest on the program. Subsequently, Oyeladun began receiving alarming threat calls.
In his post, Oyeladun stated, “The past few days have been hard for me and my family. I am facing death threats for doing my job as a broadcast journalist. I believe in balanced opinion and free speech in a democratic society. I am living in a system that favours the elite and those in positions of power.”
He continued, “I have become a target in the power struggles of the elite. There is pressure from high places to have me removed from my job. If I lose my job or my life, will they take care of my children and family? My offense? Being a person of no political significance. Friends and family, please keep praying for my safety.”
The IPC-SPJ is gravely concerned about the safety of Journalist Tayo Oyeladun and urges the Nigerian government and security agencies, particularly the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, to ensure his protection.
We call on those who are aggrieved by the comments made during the program to seek legal redress rather than resort to extra-judicial actions.
IPC-SPJ further appeals to media freedom groups, human rights organizations, and freedom of expression advocates to join the call for Oyeladun’s safety.
Additionally, IPC-SPJ strongly condemns the recent forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5 in Otukpo by the Benue State government.
Reports indicate that a team of heavily armed policemen, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and an official of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, stormed the station in two trucks. Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1 p.m. network news bulletin was forced to halt the broadcast at gunpoint.
IPC-SPJ condemns this abuse of power as a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy. We call for an immediate and thorough investigation into this incident, with appropriate punishment for those found responsible.
