Men of the Nigerian Police Force on Thursday raided the Abuja offfice of the Premium Times, arresting its publisher and one of the judiciary correspondents.
Dapo Olorunyomi and Evelyn Okakwu were picked up around 5pm over a report filed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai.
The plain-clothed officers searched the office and said they were acting on a complaint filed by Buratai.
According to the paper’s Editor-in-Chief, Musikilu Mojeed, the raid came days after Premium Times turned down the army’s demand to retract news stories about the Nigerian Army and its operations.
“They should stop deluding themselves that they can muzzle the press and intimidate Premium Times.
“They should know that our loyalty lies with our readers and the Nigerian people who have a right to know.”
He said the paper will continue “to discharge its responsibilities in line with global best practices, social responsibility and patriotism, even at great risk to our personal liberties,” he said.