Security guards assault journalists in Ogun Free Trade Zone, CDHR issues 7-day ultimatum

Condemnation has continued to mount over the assault of journalists by private security officers during a government exercise in the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, with the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) calling for the swift prosecution of all those involved.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, when officials of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service raided Igbesa Industrial Area, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, to enforce tax compliance measures against companies believed to owe millions of naira in legal obligations.

PLATFORM TIMES reports that journalists from Ogun State Television and Channels Television, including Taiwo Fabajo, Bidemi Bello and cameraman Gbenga Osinuga, were attacked by private security agents employed by a Chinese company operating in the area.

A viral video of the incident showed journalists being assaulted and physically harassed while covering the exercise.

The situation reportedly degenerated into chaos as security personnel allegedly blocked access to the facility, resisted officials and clashed with police teams, leaving two police officers injured.

Despite resistance, government officials eventually gained access, served tax delinquency notices and sealed affected companies within the vast free trade zone, which is home to more than 30 industrial firms.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the perpetrators were not officers of the Nigeria Police Force, adding that investigations had begun to identify those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, condemned the attack, describing it as a direct threat to press freedom and democratic accountability.

Likewise, the Association of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters of Nigeria and the Radio, Television, Theater and Art Workers Union of Nigeria also denounced the attack, calling for the prosecution of the perpetrators.

RATTAWU stressed that no individual or organization should be allowed to intimidate or attack journalists in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

In a stronger reaction, the CDHR, in a statement dated 4 June 2026 and signed by its National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, described the incident as a “brutal attack on press freedom and democracy”.

The group said the attack, allegedly carried out by private security officers employed by a Chinese company operating on the Ogun-Guangdong axis, represents a “serious violation of constitutional rights and democratic values.”

The CDHR called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation by the Department of State Services and the police, insisting that all perpetrators, sponsors and collaborators must be identified and prosecuted within seven days.

The rights group also called on the Ogun State Government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enforcement operation, including allegations of tax irregularities linked to Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) deductions and possible revenue losses.

It further stated that individuals within and outside government structures may have aided or benefited from questionable financial practices linked to the affected company, calling for full transparency and accountability.

The CDHR warned that any attempts to protect suspects or hinder investigations will be countered through legitimate civil actions, including the mobilization of civil society groups, trade unions and media stakeholders.

The organization also threatened coordinated protests, including picketing relevant security institutions, if the authorities did not act within the stipulated seven-day ultimatum.

“The safety of journalists is non-negotiable,” the group said, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must be anchored in accountability, the rule of law and the protection of press freedom.

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