Crime/Social Justice
Nigeria Police 'demand ₦500,000' for bail of detained Osun Defender Editor
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
05 Sep 2025 04:02 PM
Osogbo, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly demanded ₦500,000 for the release of Yusuf Oketola, the Assistant News Editor of Osun Defender newspaper, who was detained on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Zone XI Police Headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State.
The detention followed Oketola’s response to a police invitation over an alleged defamatory report published by the newspaper.
According to Osun Defender, Oketola was invited by the Zone XI Command of the Nigeria Police Force to address a petition claiming that a report he authored defamed an unnamed individual’s character.
The invitation, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Akinloye Joseph, described the summon as a “fact-finding” exercise and requested Oketola’s presence at the Zonal X Squad office in Osogbo at 10:00 a.m. on September 3.
However, upon honoring the invitation, Oketola was detained, and the police reportedly demanded ₦500,000 for his release.
Details surrounding the specific report or the petitioner remain undisclosed, as the police have not provided further information about the allegations.
Osun Defender has maintained that its journalism is responsible, focusing on in-depth reporting and holding public officials accountable, which may have prompted the petition against Oketola.
The detention and alleged demand for payment have raised concerns about press freedom and the misuse of police authority in Nigeria.
Osun Defender has a history of publishing investigative stories, including recent reports on political disputes and governance issues in Osun State, which may have drawn scrutiny from powerful figures.
As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement regarding the detention or the alleged demand for payment.
Efforts to reach the Zone XI Command for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The incident has sparked outrage among media practitioners and civil society groups, who view it as an attempt to intimidate journalists and suppress free speech.
Osun Defender has called for Oketola’s immediate release, emphasizing that the newspaper will continue its commitment to fearless and impactful journalism.
The detention followed Oketola’s response to a police invitation over an alleged defamatory report published by the newspaper.
According to Osun Defender, Oketola was invited by the Zone XI Command of the Nigeria Police Force to address a petition claiming that a report he authored defamed an unnamed individual’s character.
The invitation, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Akinloye Joseph, described the summon as a “fact-finding” exercise and requested Oketola’s presence at the Zonal X Squad office in Osogbo at 10:00 a.m. on September 3.
However, upon honoring the invitation, Oketola was detained, and the police reportedly demanded ₦500,000 for his release.
Details surrounding the specific report or the petitioner remain undisclosed, as the police have not provided further information about the allegations.
Osun Defender has maintained that its journalism is responsible, focusing on in-depth reporting and holding public officials accountable, which may have prompted the petition against Oketola.
The detention and alleged demand for payment have raised concerns about press freedom and the misuse of police authority in Nigeria.
Osun Defender has a history of publishing investigative stories, including recent reports on political disputes and governance issues in Osun State, which may have drawn scrutiny from powerful figures.
As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement regarding the detention or the alleged demand for payment.
Efforts to reach the Zone XI Command for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The incident has sparked outrage among media practitioners and civil society groups, who view it as an attempt to intimidate journalists and suppress free speech.
Osun Defender has called for Oketola’s immediate release, emphasizing that the newspaper will continue its commitment to fearless and impactful journalism.
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