The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of repeatedly harassing and intimidating officials of its Ogun State Council. The union made the demand in a communiqué issued at the end of its Zonal Executive Council meeting held at the NUJ Lagos State Council Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting expressed concern over the psychological, financial and emotional difficulties allegedly experienced by the affected officials and their families during the EFCC investigation.
According to the communiqué, the Ogun State Council Chairman and other officials had honoured invitations from the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Office, opened the council's financial records and responded to questions on approximately 25 occasions. However, the union alleged that the investigation was being handled with apparent bias, particularly by an officer identified as Bashir, Head of the Economic Governance Unit. The union questioned the jurisdiction of the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate over the petition, arguing that Ogun State falls within the operational jurisdiction of the Commission's Lagos II Zonal Directorate.
The ZEC also expressed reservations about the petitioners, alleging that some were individuals suspended by the NUJ National Executive Council over alleged anti-union activities, while others were not members of the union. The union stated that it is an independent professional and labour organisation, not a financial institution, company, government agency or contractor. The union's activities are sustained through voluntary contributions and support from individuals, governments, groups and corporate organisations.
The NUJ called on the EFCC leadership to intervene, ensure an impartial investigation and prevent further harassment of the Ogun State Council officials. The union maintained that any evidence of wrongdoing should be pursued through appropriate legal channels rather than sustained intimidation. No individual or organisation is above the law, and investigations must be evidence-based and conducted with fairness and respect for fundamental human rights.
The ZEC expressed solidarity with the affected Ogun State Council officials and pledged to pursue legitimate institutional and legal avenues to protect members against unlawful harassment and victimisation. The union also urged journalists across the South-West to maintain unity and resolve internal disagreements through the union's constitutional mechanisms.
On infrastructure, the ZEC called on federal, state and local governments to rehabilitate deplorable roads across the South-West, complete ongoing projects and resume work on abandoned ones to reduce road crashes and safeguard lives. The union emphasised the need for governments to take concrete actions to address the infrastructural challenges facing the region.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the union urged journalists to uphold their professional standards and continue to play a critical role in promoting democracy and good governance. The NUJ also emphasised the need for journalists to be vigilant and protect themselves against harassment and intimidation.
Key points
- The Nigeria Union of Journalists demands an immediate stop to the EFCC's harassment of Ogun council officials.
- The union alleges that the EFCC investigation is being handled with bias and questions the jurisdiction of the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate.
- The NUJ pledges to pursue legitimate institutional and legal avenues to protect members against unlawful harassment and victimisation.
