Police Statement On Premium Times Journalist Misleading – Lawyer

The owners and publishers of Premium Times online publication, Premium Times Services Ltd, has declared that the statements released by the Nigerian Police on the apprehension of Mr Samuel Ogundipe were false and prejudicial.

Naija News recalls that the Police, through it spokesperson DCP Jimoh Moshood, has disclosed that the Journalist was arrested for the theft and unlawful possession of restricted and classified document.

NAN also reports that Ogundipe was arrested on Aug.14 for alleged publication of the Inspector-General of police interim report on the blockade of the National Assembly gates by operatives of the DSS.

Jiti Ogunye, the legal adviser and council to the company, made this view known in a statement to newsmen, as he insist that  Ogundipe did not commit any offence under the Nigerian law.

“May we state that contrary to the misleading and prejudicial statements and assertions of ACP Jimoh, Mr. Samuel Ogundipe has not committed any offence known to law,” he said.

Ogunye added that there were no laws in Nigeria that mandate a journalist to reveal the origin of information for a published story like the police were insisting.

The Lawyer further insisted that the spokesman of the force was mistaken the law of the country for the law of the police force.

“Our client sure has a solid defence to this charge , and need not , at this stage, engage in needless argument with the Police .

“However it suffices to categorically state that the burden of proof in a criminal action lies on the prosecution,”he said.

Ogunye further called on the Acting President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to prevail on the Nigeria Police to ensure that the journalist be released.

“Our client sure has a solid defence to this charge , and need not , at this stage, engage in needless argument with the Police .

“However it suffices to categorically state that the burden of proof in a criminal action lies on the prosecution,” he said.