Investigative Report: Kwara poly rector orders detention of two journalists

The rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed has ordered the detention of two investigative journalists, Salihu Ayatullahi and Adisa-Jaji Azeez, in Ilorin on Monday.

SOLACEBASE gathered that Ayatullah, the Editor-in-Chief, and Jaji, the Managing Editor of Informant247, were detained when they honored a police invitation.

Salihu Ayatullahi and Adisa-Jaji Azeez were invited around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

The detention of the two journalists was in connection with an investigative story published by Sahara Reporters and Informant247 medium on February 2, 2024, alleging that the Kwara Polytechnic Rector made false claims about the institution’s financial status and commissioned shoddy, uncompleted projects.

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The Editor-in-Chief and managing editor of The Informant247 have approached the Federal High Court seeking protection of their fundamental human right to press freedom and liberty.

Meanwhile, an advance copy of the process marked as Case No. FHC/IL/C5/14/2024 has been served on the Nigerian Police Kwara State Command. The Commissioner of Police Kwara State, CP Victor Olaiya, Officer in Charge of Anti-Kidnapping Section, and Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin have been joined as first, second, and third respondents respectively in the mentioned case.

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As at the time of filling this report, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic is presently meeting with the Commissioner of Police to allegedly infringe upon the fundamental rights of the two journalists.