IBAN Condemns EFCC Invasion of Media House, Arrest of Journalist, Says It’s Sustained Abuse of Power

The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has condemned the invasion of a radio station in Enugu State and arrest of a journalist, Favour Eko on a live programme by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In what marks President Bola Tinubu administration’s continued descent into the abyss of dictatorship, operatives of the EFCC around 6.45pm on Monday, October 14, 2024 invaded the studio of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu and arrested one of its presenters, Favour Eko, during a live broadcast of its ‘Prime Time’ programme.

In a press released on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 of Nigeria by its Chairman and Director of Publicity, Ahmed Tijani, and Greg Odutayo, respectively, and made available to newsmen IBAN described such action as “abuse of power that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry”.

“This incident, which took place around 6:45pm during the station’s ‘Prime Time’ programme, is not only a blatant violation of press freedom but also and abuse of power that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.”

“According to the management of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu, EFCC operatives, who were armed, barged into the studio, disrupted the live broadcast, and seized essential communication equipment.

“While the EFCC claims to have acted on a lawful arrest warrant, their actions – carried out on air – sends a wrong signal to Nigerians and the international community.

“Arresting a presenter during a live broadcast and confiscating equipment is a dangerous precedent that threatens the freedom and independence of the Media.”

IBAN demanded an apology from the Commission and return of station’s equipment that was taken away by its operatives, maintaining that due process was not followed in the arrest of the said journalist,

“IBAN unequivocally demands the immediate return of all equipment taken from Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu and calls on the EFCC to issue a public apology for this unwarranted disruption of the station’s operations.

“While we do not condone any unlawful activity allegedly committed by the presenter, it is essential that due process be followed. The actions of a staff member should not be used as a pretext to penalize an entire broadcasting station.”

IBAN stated that “the media plays a critical role in shaping democracy and ensuring that citizens remain informed and engaged. Any attempt to intimidate or undermine broadcasters sets a dangerous tone for press freedom in Nigeria”.

“The EFCC should have handled this situation in a manner that respects the role of the Media while upholding the law. Arresting a journalist on air and seizing equipment is not only an overreach but also a violation of press independence.”

“IBAN remains committed to supporting all broadcasters in Nigeria and will continue to advocate for their rights. An attack on one is an attack on all. We urge all relevant authorities to respect the sanctity of media houses and ensure that actions like this do not repeat themselves in the future.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was yet to make a statement on the issue as at the time of this report.