Police Release Detained Journalist Ayoola Babalola, Arrested At Abuja #EndBadGovernance Protest
A journalist, Ayoola Babalola who was arrested by policemen during the nationwide #EndBadGovernence protests against poor governance in Abuja has been released.
Ayoola Babalola was released around 3 pm on Sunday.
“Yes, I have been released. I was released around 3 pm on today (Sunday). The detention lasted for over 24 hours, but I’m home now,” he told SaharaReporters. “I am grateful to all who led their voices calling for my release.”
The Take-It-Back Movement had demanded the immediate release of Babalola.
The 25-year-old journalist and human rights activist was detained at Wuye Police Station on the orders of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
A special circular issued by the Take-It-Back Movement on the issue read, “Arrested and detained Ayoola Babalola, 25 years old journalist and activist has now completed 24 hours in the detention facility of the Wuye Police Station, FCT, Abuja.
“His only ‘crime’ is participating in #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. #FreeAyoolaNow.”
SaharaReporters had reported how some operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian police who invaded the venue of the protest at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Saturday shot at a vehicle carrying journalists from The Premium Times and The Cable newspapers.
Hundreds of civilian protesters were attacked at the venue by the security operatives.
The protesters and journalists had assembled calmly before the police violently dispersed them with teargas on Saturday morning.
SaharaReporters also reported on Saturday that at least six vehicles loaded with masked DSS operatives had taken over the stadium.
