Lagos Journalist Alleges Assault by Council Security; Chairman Denies Claims
In a disturbing incident in Lagos State, journalist Habeeb Adejobi has accused security operatives of assaulting him at the Kosofe Local Government Secretariat, alleging the attack occurred in the presence of council chairman Moyosore Ogunlewe. The event, which took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, has sparked controversy over media freedom and public safety in Nigeria.
Journalist's Account of the Alleged Assault
Habeeb Adejobi, a reporter with MITV, stated he visited the secretariat to cover the screening of newly appointed supervisors and special advisers. Upon arrival around 4 p.m., he attempted to notify the chairman and information officer but was unable to reach them. After setting up his camera to wait for the session to end, he was approached by a man who instructed him to leave on the chairman's orders.
Adejobi explained, "I calmly requested to see the chairman to clarify the situation, but when he arrived, he immediately questioned my identification card. I did not have it with me at that moment, and without further discussion, he ordered people to seize my cameras." The situation quickly escalated, with Adejobi alleging that the man began hitting him, followed by officers from the NSCDC Special Task Force joining in the assault.
He detailed, "They punched and hit me from different directions, demanding I delete pictures from my camera. I was eventually dragged to Area H Police Station, where my phone was seized, and I was brought before the Divisional Police Officer in the presence of the chairman's Chief of Staff." Adejobi later sought medical treatment for injuries and reported damage to his camera during the struggle.
Council Chairman's Response and Denial
In response, council chairman Moyosore Ogunlewe strongly denied the allegations, claiming Adejobi lacked proper identification and was not a genuine journalist. Ogunlewe stated he spotted the cameraman setting up equipment on the premises and questioned his credentials. He expressed surprise at the assault claims, emphasizing it was embarrassing to think he would supervise such an incident.
Ogunlewe said, "I just saw a man setting up a camera and asked where he was from. He had no identification card and produced a piece showing he is from Arise TV, but Arise said nobody bears such name. We took him to Ogudu police station for questioning because he was unable to produce a statement or ID card." He added that political opponents might be behind the mischief, linking it to a previous incident.
Broader Implications for Media and Security
This case highlights ongoing concerns about journalist safety and access to public institutions in Nigeria. Adejobi expressed shock over the alleged involvement of the council chairman, noting, "What hurts me the most is not just the beating. I never imagined that the chairman of Kosofe could act in such a manner, especially as an educated lawyer and son of a respected political leader."
The incident raises questions about the role of security operatives in local government settings and the need for clear protocols for media coverage. As investigations continue, this story underscores the delicate balance between public accountability and security measures in Nigerian politics.
