WARRI – The International Press Center, Lagos has condemned the arrest of Yinka Badmus, a photojournalist with Talk Village International, Lagos; and demanded his immediate release.
Yinka Badmus was reportedly arrested on December, 31st by policemen attached to the Lagos State Anti-Cultism unit while eating at Pedro Bus Stop in the Gbagada area of Lagos State for wearing dreadlocks which the officers allegedly said made him look like a cultist.
In a statement signed by Stella Nwofia , Programme Director, IPC, on behalf of
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Director, IPC said it was unconstitutional for him to have been detained for many days before he was eventually arraigned and remanded on the orders of an Ogudu Magistrate Court, Lagos.
While pleading with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to step into the matter so that the photo journalist could regain his freedom, Arogundade
enjoined journalists to be mindful of their safety and ensure they have
a means of identification on them at all times.
Yinka Badmus who is 24years old is currently being held at Ikoyi Prisons.
