Nigeria: CWPPF Condemns the Violent Assault, Harassment, and Phone Destruction of Pinnacle Daily Editor, Sunday Michael Ogwu, By Police Operatives in Lugbe

The Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has strongly condemned the violent assault, harassment, and destruction of equipment experienced by Pinnacle Daily editor, Sunday Michael Ogwu, at the hands of Nigeria Police Force officers in Lugbe, Abuja. On August 19, 2026, at approximately 5:30 PM, Ogwu was engaged in documenting a joint demolition exercise when he was forcibly seized by police officers, including those from the Lugbe Police Division and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

Despite identifying himself as a journalist and attempting to communicate with the officers, Ogwu was subjected to a brutal beating with an electric cable and forced to leave the area. The CWPPF finds this unprovoked brutality deeply troubling and incompatible with the protection of press freedom and the rights of journalists. They have called upon the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the FCT Police Command to address this incident and ensure a safe and free environment for journalists to perform their constitutional duties.

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