Journalist Azuka Ogujiuba Speaks Out After 3-Day Detention by IGP Office Over Publication
Azuka Ogujiuba, a journalist and founder of the Media Room Hub, has accused officers attached to the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of unlawfully detaining her for three days over the publication of a court injunction on her Instagram page.
Speaking to journalists, Ogujiuba recounted how two officers, identified as Moses Jolugbo and Ifeoma Ogoli, allegedly orchestrated her ordeal after businessman Adewale Oladapo petitioned the police against her for alleged cyberbullying and defamation.
She explained that she published a court injunction on her Instagram page, emphasising that it was not cyberbullying but an official court document.
She noted that over 20 media houses had also published the same document and questioned why she was the only one being targeted.
She said the officers initially invited her for questioning on August 6, before allegedly storming her office days later, harassing her in the presence of her interview guest, and forcefully taking her away.
According to Ogujiuba, she was locked up for three days without food, denied access to her lawyer and family, and threatened at gunpoint.
She stated, “I got a letter from the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) inviting me. I went there on August 6, and the officers handling the case were Moses Jolugbo and Ifeoma Ogoli. I have high regard for the police, and I respect the constitution— that was why I honoured the invitation.
“It was Adewale Oladapo who petitioned against me for alleged cyberbullying and defamation of character. They showed me my Instagram page, Media-Hub, where I published a court injunction.
“I explained to them that what I published was not cyberbullying but a court injunction. I told them that I did not write it; it was a court-approved document. I also made it clear that I was not the only media outlet that published it — nearly 20 others did as well. So, I asked, ‘Why am I the only one being petitioned?’ They told me to get a surety, and I left.
“Two days later, I was in an office for an exclusive interview when the same two police officers who had interrogated me earlier suddenly showed up. They chased me as if I were a criminal, harassed me, and seized my phone. The person I was interviewing even thought they were kidnappers. They took me to their office, and for almost 45 minutes, they said nothing. Eventually, they confronted me, insisting that I had failed to take down the court injunction I published.”
She added, “I was traumatised. I couldn’t sleep. I am sure the IGP is not aware that such a thing is happening in his office. Misused authority was used on me. They are giving the Nigerian police a bad name.
“I know that my detention was orchestrated by Moses Jolugbo and Ifeoma Ogoli. The policemen pointed guns at me, and I had no choice but to obey.
“I asked to speak to my family or my lawyer, but they refused and locked me in the cell for three days without food. I don’t know how I survived it.”
