The Nigeria Police Force has released John Okunyomih, a Nigerian journalist with Agence France-Presse (AFP), who was arrested while covering the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
Okunyomih, who had earlier been identified simply as “John,” was reportedly manhandled by security operatives who also damaged his work equipment.
Speaking to SaharaReporters shortly after regaining his freedom, the journalist confirmed that his release followed pressure from the French Embassy.
“I have been released. They damaged my camera, seized my mobile phone, and forcefully removed my gas mask. I was covering the protest near Transcorp Hilton when they came and arrested me. It took the intervention of the French Embassy, who spoke to them while they were holding me. They cautioned them not to touch any journalists,” he said.
Earlier reports indicated that police operatives arrested two AFP journalists, an American, Nicholas Roll, and Okunyomih, during the protest. While Roll was released earlier in the day, Okunyomih remained in detention.
Meanwhile, police also arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, alongside several protesters.
Confirming his arrest, Ejimakor posted on social media, “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emmanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Street, Gariki 2, Abuja.”
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]