By,Jumoke Ariyo
Concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists have resurfaced in Benin City following claims by the Editorial Board of Info Daily Media Limited that its editor is being harassed over a publication already before the court.
The Board alleged that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force invited the editor for interrogation over a report involving a Benin-based cleric, Rev. Craig Omorotionmwan, after the newspaper published allegations made by the mother of a 27-year-old NYSC member.
According to the Board, the publication was based on complaints brought before the media organisation by the woman, who claimed her daughter was behaving strangely after allegedly coming in contact with the cleric.
The newspaper maintained that efforts were made to get reactions from both the lady and the cleric before the report was published.
The media organisation described the police invitation as intimidation and an attempt to silence journalists, insisting that the matter is already in court and should be resolved through legal means.
The Board also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to ensure that security agencies are not used to suppress the media.
