by Olumide Saheed
Adegbenro Nurdeen Adenekan, a journalist with Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos, was abducted this morning by a group of policemen who claimed to be from the Alagbon Police Command in Lagos. The unsettling incident has sent shockwaves through the local media community and raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Adenekan’s wife, who confirmed the disturbing development, the officers did not identify themselves or provide any reasons for their actions. She described the situation as chaotic and terrifying, noting that her husband was forcibly taken without any explanation, leaving her and their family in a state of confusion and fear.
The policemen, whose identities remain unknown, arrived at their residence early Wednesday morning and in a Gestapo manner, took Adenekan away in an unmarked vehicle.
His wife stated that they neither showed any warrants nor informed her of any charges or investigations linked to her husband’s work. This has raised questions about the legality and justification for the abduction, sparking fears that it might be linked to Adenekan’s journalistic activities, especially around Agege community where he is resident.
Adegbenro Adenekan’s abduction is the latest in a series of troubling incidents that have highlighted the deteriorating state of press freedom in Nigeria under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s government. Since taking office, the administration has been criticized for its increasing use of security agencies to intimidate and harass journalists, especially those who report critically on government activities.
Despite promises of upholding democratic principles, including the protection of press freedom, journalists across Nigeria have reported growing threats to their safety and independence. In Adenekan’s case, it remains unclear whether his abduction is directly linked to his work at Mainland FM, his Agege Community or if it is part of a broader pattern of repression.
Over the past few months, several reporters have faced similar challenges, with arrests, harassment, and violent threats becoming more frequent. The government’s use of security forces to silence critical voices has raised alarms among human rights organizations and media watchdogs, who fear that the Tinubu administration is increasingly stifling freedom of speech and press independence.
The abduction of Adenekan comes at a time when press freedom in Nigeria is already under intense scrutiny. Reporters Without Borders and other international advocacy groups have repeatedly ranked Nigeria poorly in terms of press freedom, citing government crackdowns on journalists, harassment, and censorship. The growing climate of fear among media practitioners is seen as a deliberate attempt by the government to control the narrative and suppress any opposition or dissent.
Local journalists have expressed concerns that the administration’s actions threaten not just press freedom, but also the democratic fabric of the nation. For many, the abduction of journalists like Adenekan is a clear indication of the increasing authoritarian tendencies of the current government.
The lack of transparency in the handling of such cases, coupled with the absence of accountability for those involved, further erodes the trust between the media and the government. As the government pushes back against critical reporting, journalists face increasing pressure to censor themselves or face severe consequences.
As this story develops, journalists, media practitioners, and citizens alike are left questioning how far the government is willing to go in its efforts to control the media and suppress free speech. For now, the message is clear: the risks of speaking truth to power have never been higher.