The publisher of ObjecTV, Segun Olawoye, has been invited by the Nigeria Police Force's Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos to discuss his reportage on the handling of public projects. Olawoye announced the invitation in a public statement, urging Nigerians to accompany and support him as he responds to the police invitation on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The invitation is connected to reportage concerning the Ministry of Works and LARalek, a project-related issue that raised questions about public accountability and criticism of government projects.
According to Olawoye, the invitation is an attempt by the Ministry of Works to back LARalek against public reportage and criticism concerning the handling of public projects. In a statement, Olawoye wrote: “Public Invitation! Join Us Tomorrow As Ministry Of Works Will Be Backing LARALEK Against Public Reportage Or Criticism Of Public Projects’ Handling…” He called on members of the public to join him on Tuesday as he appears before the Police Special Fraud Unit.
The police invitation letter, dated September 18, 2026, was signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Matthew Obiuwevbi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Police Special Fraud Unit. The letter stated that the police were investigating a case in which Olawoye's name “featured prominently.” The PSFU requested Olawoye to appear for an interview with the Commissioner of Police at the Police Special Fraud Unit headquarters located at 13 Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The interview was scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 11:00am prompt. Olawoye was instructed to report through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Secretariat, upon arrival at the PSFU office. The police also instructed him to contact the Investigating Police Officer on 08053635492 upon arrival. The letter emphasised that the invitation was for fact-finding purposes and requested his cooperation with the investigation.
The PSFU further stated that Olawoye's presence was required to assist in advancing the course of criminal justice delivery and fairness. The police also informed Olawoye that he was entitled to attend the interview with his lawyer. The development comes amid growing concerns among journalists and civil society groups over the use of security agencies in matters involving media reports, public criticism and investigations into the management of government projects.
ObjecTV, through its publisher, has maintained that the public has a legitimate interest in information concerning the execution and handling of public projects. Olawoye has called on Nigerians to join him on Tuesday as he appears before the PSFU in Lagos at 11:00am. The publisher's appearance before the police is expected to draw attention to the issue of public accountability and the role of the media in scrutinizing government projects.
The case highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria who report on government projects and the management of public funds. The incident has sparked concerns about the use of security agencies to intimidate journalists and restrict freedom of expression. Key points:
Key points
- The Nigerian police have invited ObjecTV publisher Segun Olawoye over his reportage on the Ministry of Works and LARalek project.
- The invitation has been described as an attempt to silence the publisher and restrict public criticism of government projects.
- The case highlights concerns about the use of security agencies to intimidate journalists and restrict freedom of expression in Nigeria.
