Condemnation has continued to mount over the assault of journalists by private security operatives during a government enforcement exercise at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone, with the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) demanding swift prosecution of all those involved.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, when officials of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service stormed the industrial zone in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area to enforce tax compliance measures against companies alleged to be owing statutory obligations running into millions of naira.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that journalists from the Ogun State Television and Channels Television, including Taiwo Fabajo, Bidemi Bello, and cameraman Gbenga Osinuga, were attacked by private security operatives attached to a Chinese firm operating within the zone.
A viral video of the incident showed the journalists being physically assaulted and harassed while covering the enforcement exercise.
The situation reportedly degenerated into chaos as security personnel allegedly blocked access to the facility, resisted officials, and clashed with enforcement teams, leaving two police officers injured.
Despite the resistance, government officials eventually gained access, served tax default notices, and sealed affected companies within the sprawling free trade zone, which hosts over 30 industrial firms.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the perpetrators were not officers of the Nigeria Police Force, adding that investigations had commenced to identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, condemned the attack, describing it as a direct threat to press freedom and democratic accountability.
Similarly, the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria also denounced the assault, calling for prosecution of the perpetrators.
RATTAWU stressed that no individual or organisation should be allowed to intimidate or attack journalists in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
In a stronger reaction, the CDHR, in a statement dated 4 June 2026 and signed by its National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, described the incident as a “brutal assault on press freedom and democracy.”
The group said the attack, allegedly carried out by private security operatives attached to a Chinese company operating in the Ogun–Guangdong axis, represents a “grave violation of constitutional rights and democratic values.”
CDHR demanded an immediate, transparent and independent investigation by the Department of State Services and the police, insisting that all perpetrators, sponsors and collaborators must be identified and prosecuted within seven days.
The rights group also called on the Ogun State Government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enforcement operation, including allegations of tax irregularities linked to Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) deductions and possible revenue leakages.
It further alleged that individuals within and outside government structures may have aided or benefited from questionable financial practices connected to the affected company, demanding full disclosure and accountability.
CDHR warned that any attempt to shield suspects or obstruct investigations would be resisted through lawful civil actions, including mobilisation of civil society groups, labour unions and media stakeholders.
The organisation further threatened coordinated protests, including picketing of relevant security institutions, should authorities fail to act within the stipulated seven-day ultimatum.
“The safety of journalists is non-negotiable,” the group said, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must be anchored on accountability, rule of law and protection of press freedom.
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