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By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has held a memorial service in honour of its former chairman and veteran journalist, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen, with a pledge to continue supporting his three children.

The memorial which was held on Monday evening, brought together journalists, friends and associates to remember Osadebamwen’s contributions to journalism and the NUJ.

Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the death of the former chairman was first and foremost a loss to his immediate family, but urged members to reflect on his years of service to the profession and the Union.

She also called on journalists to look out for one another and build genuine friendships despite disagreements and changes in leadership.

“Leadership within the NUJ comes with its own demands and challenges,” she said, adding that Patrick had “contributed to the affairs and development of the Union” during his time as chairman.

The council recalled Osadebamwen’s long career in journalism, during which he worked with Union Newspaper, Core TV, The Nigerian Tribune and Kaftan TV. He also served as chairman of the NUJ FCT Council.

Ike said the Union will continue to stand by the bereaved family, noting that it had remained engaged with them since news of his death and was particularly mindful of the three children he left behind.

She urged journalists to see the memorial as an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships and appreciate one another while they were still alive.

“Positions are temporary, professional engagements come and go, and ultimately, what remains is the impact we make on the people and institutions we encounter,” Ike said.

The FCT Council also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, for their “prompt assistance” in evacuating Osadebamwen’s remains.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, was also acknowledged for representing the IGP and conveying his condolences to the family and the NUJ.

President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, joined other speakers in paying tribute to the late journalist and former FCT chairman.

The NUJ FCT Council extended its condolences to Osadebamwen’s family, friends and associates, and prayed for strength for the family and eternal rest for the departed.

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Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in a coordinated joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi State.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Lieutenant,l Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
12 Brigade Nigerian Army, copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

The operation was conducted on 31 August 2026 in the Egume and Ochaja forest areas of Dekina Local Government Area.

The operation followed reports of a mass abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis. Acting on credible intelligence, troops, alongside other security agencies, local hunters and vigilantes, mobilised from Headquarters 21 Battalion and conducted a coordinated search of the adjoining forests.

During the operation, the joint team successfully rescued all 21 kidnapped victims, comprising 8 males and 13 females, from the Egume and Ochaja forest areas.

Unfortunately, one of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for immediate treatment.

The rescued victims are currently in the custody of the troops, while necessary arrangements are being made to hand them over to the appropriate authorities.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops, personnel of other security agencies, local hunters and vigilantes for their courage, cooperation and commitment, which led to the successful rescue of the victims.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged the government of President Bola Tinubu and the Department of State Services, DSS, to “immediately withdraw all bogus charges against journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore, and end the continuing harassment and intimidation of him over his peaceful exercise of his human rights”.

SERAP said that “the reported decision by the DSS to seek an adjournment of the case until after the 2027 presidential election does not resolve the fundamental problem: the charges should never have been brought in the first place and must now be withdrawn.”

In a statement today by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The DSS cannot selectively pause a politically sensitive prosecution for electoral convenience while leaving the bogus charges hanging over Sowore. The appropriate response is to withdraw the charges altogether.”

“It is deeply troubling that the DSS reportedly considered suspending the case only after the commencement of the 2027 election campaign.

“The right to participate in public affairs and to criticise government officials cannot depend on the electoral calendar or the discretion of security agencies.”

According to SERAP, “The prosecution of Sowore over his social media comments concerning President Bola Tinubu amounts to an unacceptable use of criminal law and judicial processes to punish, intimidate or silence a prominent critic and political opponent.

“Public officials, including the President, are subject to scrutiny and criticism in a democratic society. The mere fact that an expression is offensive, harsh, insulting or politically inconvenient does not, by itself, justify criminal prosecution.

“The Tinubu government should not weaponise the Cybercrimes Act, criminal defamation provisions or other laws to suppress peaceful criticism, particularly as Nigeria approaches a general election.

“Suspending the Sowore case until after the election is not enough. The bogus charges should be immediately withdrawn.”

SERAP urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and the DSS to withdraw all charges against Omoyele Sowore; direct the DSS and other security and law enforcement agencies to stop using criminal and judicial processes to harass, intimidate or silence journalists, activists, political opponents and other Nigerians peacefully exercising their rights.

Other demands are: ensure that Sowore is able to participate fully and freely in political and public life without harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrest or reprisals; ensure that the Cybercrimes Act and other laws are not used to criminalise peaceful criticism, political speech or legitimate journalistic and human rights activities; review all criminal prosecutions and pending cases against journalists, activists and political opponents arising principally from their peaceful exercise of freedom of expression, with a view to withdrawing charges that are inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations, and ensure full respect for freedom of expression, freedom of association, political participation, media freedom, the rule of law and judicial independence as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.