The Department of State Services has apologised for arresting the Executive Director of the International Press Institute based in Lagos and former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Mr. Lanre Arogundade.
The security outfit also claimed that Arogundade’s arrest was a case of mistaken identity.
The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mustapha Isa, made this known on Thursday after Arogundade’s release.
He wrote, “I just spoke with the head of DSS at the airport through Lanre’s phone. He said it was a case of mistaken identity, and that they have no case against him. He has been released after an apology and his passport is about to be stamped for him to leave the airport.
“Lanre told me that this wasn’t the first time this was happening. I told the officer when a case of mistaken identity happens all the time, it means something is wrong.
“The Nigerian Guild of Editors totally condemns this harassment. Lanre Arogundade is doing a tremendous job in promoting media freedom in Nigeria. We are fully behind him.”
Arogundade was arrested on arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday.
He had travelled to The Gambia to attend and conduct a training programme on Conflict Reporting for Journalists, organised by the UNESCO (Gambia), and International Press Institute.
In a tweet hours later, the International Press Centre confirmed his release, saying, “Mr. Arogundade @lanreipc has been released, and his Passport has been returned to him. Thank you all.”
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