GTBank’s Cyberstalking Case: GDJ Decries Incarceration of Four Journalists in Lagos, Hails Defence Team
The Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ) has voiced strong opposition to the continued incarceration of four journalists in Lagos, South West of Nigeria, following allegations of cyberstalking by Segun Agbaje’s Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), the parent company of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank).
The journalists, Rowland Olonishuwa, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, and Seun Odunlami, are currently held at a correctional facility in Ikoyi.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Opeyemi Daniel Adeoti, Chairman of the GDJ, stated that “While we acknowledge that being a journalist does not exempt one from the law, we strongly believe that nobody should be treated as if they are below the law, as our colleagues have been.”
Mr. Adeoti highlighted the role of the GDJ, describing it as “a union of professional journalists who have transitioned from working as primary reporters in established news organizations to establishing and managing their own media platforms, incorporating their expertise into online and social media publishing.” The GDJ’s membership includes bloggers, social media influencers, and microblogging enthusiasts, with a total of 2,700 members across Kwara State and other regions.
Addressing the actions taken by GTBank, Mr. Adeoti remarked, “As an organization, we are aware that the entire ordeal faced by these journalists is at the behest of GTBank’s management.” He commended the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council for urging its members to terminate their accounts with GTBank and announced that the GDJ would escalate this directive into a nationwide boycott.
“We intend to communicate with all our members to encourage them to follow this course of action as a means of protesting against the treatment of these journalists,” Mr. Adeoti said.
He also mentioned that the GDJ had compiled a list of alternative banks and contact details to facilitate a smooth transition for its members.
The trial of the detained journalists has been adjourned to December 10th and 12th. Mr. Adeoti expressed concern over GTBank’s intentions, stating, “This leaves no doubt as to GTB’s true intentions in instigating the arrest of our colleagues, exploiting a vaguely defined clause in the cybercrime amendment act.”
He condemned the ongoing trials, asserting, “Let it be known once more, unequivocally, that journalism is not a criminal offense.”
Mr. Adeoti also criticized the national Secretariat of the NUJ in Abuja for its lack of response, saying, “The Secretariat should have displayed more empathy or at least aligned its voice with the calls for the release of these journalists.”
He called on various stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, human rights activists, and NGOs, to unite in raising global awareness about the plight of the detained journalists. Specifically, he urged the National Assembly to review the Cybercrime Act, aiming to rectify its draconian provisions or potentially repeal it.
In closing, Mr. Adeoti extended gratitude to the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) and the legal team working towards the journalists’ release, stating, “Throughout these past two months of adversity, we have encountered allies and comrades who have taken up the cause.”
“Special appreciation goes to Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN, Barrister Kunle Afolabi, and Barrister Adebisi Adeniyi for their unwavering support in the face of daunting tasks.
“We equally call on Nigerian media to rally round our colleagues by giving adequate reportage of the court proceedings”, the group emphasized.
The Street Reporters Newspaper recalls that the four journalists had in their reports allegedly exposed fraud and corruption in GTCO under the leadership of Segun Julius. These allegations, including profit manipulation, are subject of investigation at the Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
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