FICAN condemns alleged police assault on journalist in Abuja

The Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) has condemned the alleged assault and harassment of Sunday Michael Ogwu, Editor of Pinnacle Daily, by police and vigilante members in Abuja.

The incident reportedly occurred on August 19, 2026, in the Lugbe Federal Housing Estate during a joint demolition exercise involving the Lugbe Police Division and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). According to FICAN, Ogwu was attempting to document the operation on his mobile phone when he was accosted by officers.

Eyewitness accounts allege that Ogwu was forcibly stripped of his device and subjected to physical violence. After being told to leave the area, he was reportedly pursued and flogged a second time with an electric cable by officers. FICAN expressed concern over the return of SARS-style tactics and the physical injuries sustained by the journalist.