SSS arrests, releases journalist

The operatives of the State Security Service attached to the National Conference yesterday detained Daily Sun journalist over news report published by the newspaper.

Mr Iheanacho Nwosu, a deputy editor with the newspaper, reported yesterday how an SSS operative exchanged blows with a policeman at the venue of the ongoing over parking space on Tuesday.

Nwosu was picked by secret agents at about 2pm yesterday. He was taken to their office within the National Judicial Institute (NJI) complex.

Nwosu, who is one of the dozens journalists accredited to cover the conference, said he was detained for over 30 minutes and released after some journalists besieged the area where he was being detained.

The operatives tried to deny the report but when he showed them the picture of the fisticuff, they mellowed down saying the report was embarrassing to them.

After the plenary resumed around 4pm yesterday some delegates condemned the arrest of the journalist. Delegate, Niyi Akintola, raised a point of order and condemned the action, saying it was undemocratic for security operatives to infringe on the rights of a journalist performing his duties.

The deputy chairman of the conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi said security agencies should respect the rights of people carrying out their duties.