#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Journalist and Protesters Arrested in Abuja

Freelance journalist Ayoola Babalola was arrested alongside an unspecified number of protesters by security operatives in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Saturday.

The arrests occurred as demonstrators gathered at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on the third day of nationwide protests against “Bad Governance” and economic hardship in Nigeria, which began on Thursday.

Babalola shared news of his arrest on his WhatsApp status on Saturday afternoon, shortly after security operatives, believed to be from the Department of State Services, reportedly fired at protesters and journalists at the stadium.

NIGERIA NEWS 247 correspondent covering the protest reported narrowly escaping gunfire along with other journalists, with a car belonging to a Premium Times journalist being struck by bullets.

“I’ve been arrested, comrades. I’m being held at Wuye Police Station. We are standing our ground and not releasing our devices,” Babalola, a former reporter for Peoples Gazette, posted on his WhatsApp status, noting that he was detained with six others, including Samuel Victor.

“They are taking our phones and taking us to the cell now,” he added in a message to our correspondent around 2 p.m.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, stated that she was working to secure the release of Babalola and the others.

“I’m only aware of two of them, not seven, and I’m making efforts on their release. I’m looking for the journalist, Ayoola (Babalola),” Adeh told The PUNCH.

Protests have continued in Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, and other states, with demonstrators calling for, among other things, the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and the soaring prices of goods and services in the country.

However, the ‘End Hunger’ protests have been marred by reports of looting by hoodlums in Kano and other northern regions, prompting police action to recover stolen items.

The Lagos State Government urged protesters to disperse, assuring them that their voices have been heard “loud and clear,” according to the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who spoke with Channels TV.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized President Bola Tinubu for not addressing the nation amid the ongoing protests. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party urged Tinubu to break his silence, address the nation immediately, and reassure citizens about the pressing issues they face.