The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has given insight into the alleged arrest by the university authorities of a journalist with Afia TV Limited, Elijah Akuma, saying he was briefly detained while investigating poor hostel conditions “without proper identification or prior authorization.”
In a statement by Inya Agha Egwu, its Acting Public Relations Officer, the UNN authorities said “no journalist was arrested or detained. The actions taken by the University’s security unit were purely precautionary, professionally conducted, and fully aligned with standard procedures designed to safeguard members of the University community.”
The full statement read: “The attention of the Management of the University of Nigeria has been drawn to a trending report alleging that the University’s security operatives arrested journalists from Afia Television.
“We wish to categorically state that the report, as presented, is misleading and does not accurately reflect what transpired.
“The individuals in question, including Mr. Elijah Akuma, gained access to one of the University’s student hostels without proper identification or prior authorization and began approaching students for interviews. Given the sensitive nature of student residential areas, and the University’s responsibility to ensure the security and privacy of its students, this action understandably raised concern, especially among hostel residents, who promptly alerted the University’s security personnel.
“In line with established security protocols, the individuals were invited to the University’s security office for proper identification and clarification of their activities. It was during this process that they identified themselves as reporters with Afia TV. The Chief Security Officer immediately contacted the management of Afia TV to verify this claim.
“Upon confirmation of their identity, the individuals were asked to go without any further incident.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no journalist was arrested or detained. The actions taken by the University’s security unit were purely precautionary, professionally conducted, and fully aligned with standard procedures designed to safeguard members of the University community.
“The University of Nigeria maintains a cordial and respectful relationship with journalists and remains firmly committed to upholding the principles of press freedom and transparency. However, media practitioners are advised to adhere to established institutional protocols, including proper identification and prior authorization, especially when accessing restricted or sensitive areas such as student hostels.
“We urge the public to disregard the misleading report and to seek clarification from the University’s Public Relations Unit on matters concerning the University of Nigeria.”
