A journalist with Murhi International Television (MITV), Habeeb Adejobi, has petitioned the police over an alleged assault by the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, Moyo Ogunlewe, as a civil society organisation has condemned the incident.
Adejobi, through his solicitors, Giwa Legal, submitted a petition dated March 16, 2026, to the Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, accusing the council chairman and his aides of assault occasioning harm, criminal intimidation, unlawful seizure of property, obstruction of lawful duty, abuse of office and unlawful detention.
According to the petition, the incident occurred on March 11, 2026, at the Kosofe Local Government Secretariat, where the journalist had gone to cover the screening of newly appointed supervisors and special advisers.
Adejobi alleged that after notifying officials of his presence, he was directed to leave the premises on the instruction of the chairman. He claimed the situation escalated upon the chairman’s arrival, when he was asked to present identification and, while attempting to comply, aides and security personnel allegedly seized his camera and forced him out.
The petition further alleged that he was assaulted by some individuals, including officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and members of a task force attached to the chairman. He also claimed he was taken against his will to Ogudu Police Station, where his phone was confiscated.
Adejobi said he sustained injuries during the incident and was later hospitalised, adding that he was released only after the intervention of the Divisional Police Officer.
His legal representatives have called on the police to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER) has condemned the alleged attack, describing it as a violation of press freedom.
In a statement, its Executive Director, Adewale Adeoye, said the incident was unacceptable in a democratic setting and reminiscent of repression during military rule.
“It is quite embarrassing and should not happen in a democracy. The violation of the rights of a journalist in the course of his duty is condemnable in the strongest terms,” he said.
The organisation called on the police to investigate the matter and prosecute those responsible, while also urging the Lagos State House of Assembly to probe the incident.
JODER further warned that attacks on journalists threaten democratic governance and undermine the media’s role in holding public officials accountable, stressing the need to guarantee the safety of journalists across the state.