Prof. Isikilu Oloyede of Redeemer’s University, Ede in Osun, has called on government at all levels and security agencies to always follow dictates of the law when arresting and prosecuting of journalists in the country.

Oloyede, a professor of Media Law and Journalism, made the call while delivering the 15th Inaugural Lecture of the university, on Thursday in Ede.

The lecture had as its theme: “A Fertiliser and Combustible for Human Rights Activism”.

Oloyede said that government and the society at large should appreciate and defend the rights of freedom of expression and the liberty of the press.

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“This inaugural lecture is a tribute to all individuals and journalists whose rights to free expression and free press have, at one time or the other, been repressed or violated.

“It is an acknowledgement of those who have been harassed, molested and illegally detained.

” Or like the Dele Giwas of this world, who have been killed or caused to disappear on the basis of the due exercise of their rights of free expression and the press,” he said.

The don urged security agencies and governments to follow the law in their mode of arresting and prosecuting journalists suspected of infringing on Nigeria’s publishing laws.

“Information and evidences available in the public domain are to the effect that instead of politely inviting this set of people for interrogation, our law enforcement agencies lay a siege for, ambush and sometimes, arrest them in a kidnapping manner.” he said

According to him, the illegal ambush and arrest of journalists by security agents and law enforcers is definitely not in tandem with the rule of law, which states that suspected offenders be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

He said individuals and governments must understand, appreciate and accommodate dissects and criticism, as intolerance constituted major yardsticks for repression of free expression and free press. (NAN)