Tribune, Punch Journalists Quizzed In Ekiti

Dapo Falade, Ado-Ekiti - 01.03.2008

FOR the second time in less than one month, journalists experienced the hazards of the job as the Ekiti State correspondents of the Nigerian Tribune and the Punch on Friday underwent more than two hours interrogation at the state Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D) over a news story alleged to have embarrassed the state government.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the state C.I.D., Mr. Sunday Anjorin, in a letter dated February 27, 2007 had invited the duo of Mr. Dapo Falade of the Nigerian Tribune and Mr. Olamilekan Lartey of the Punch “in connection with a case of conduct likely (sic) allegedly against you on the 31st day of December, 2007.”

The letter of invitation further stated that; “It is just a fact finding invitation and your very cooperation will be much appreciated. On arrival, please report to the Admin Office of the state CID, Ado-Ekiti. Looking forward to seeing you on or before 29th day of February, 2008.”

The two correspondents had similarly been invited earlier in the month by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yomi Onasile, in connection with the story written on the Thank-you visit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the state and which coincided with the failed arraignment of the former governor of the state, Mr. Ayo Fayose.

At the latest meeting, the state C.I.D. boss made it known to the two correspondents, who were accompanied by their colleagues from the other print media operating in the state, that they were invited to verify the source of a story credited to Mr. Yemi Adaramodu, the head of media of the state chapter of the Action Congress (AC), over the protest staged by staff of the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES) last December.