“How I Was Beaten Up In Kogi Govt House” Journalist Invited By Gov Bello Tells His Story

Wale Odunsi, the Deputy Editor of Daily Post got more than he bargained for on his visit to Kogi state on the invitation of Governor Yahaya Bello.

The journalist invited to be a part of the Social Media Summit organised in the state suffered multiple kicks and slaps from security operatives attached to the Kogi Government house on the first day of the two day event.

He fled the state without witnessing any of the programmes earmarked for Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th October 2017.

Odunsi disclosed he was threatened with a gun by one of his assailants, Illiya Ali – a mobile policeman – and had to run for dear life.

Here is his story as reported by New Telegraph about what happened on his way to meet with the governor at the Kogi state Government House on the first day of the summit.

“I left the hotel I was some minutes before 11am. Before that, I called special assistant to the Governor on New Media, Joel Odaudu Minister, that I was on my way to the Govt. House”.

“I got there and walked towards the gate. As I approached the gate directly opposite the entrance of the governor’s wife office entrance, one of the protocol officials wearing White native charged towards me.

“In an unruly manner, he queried why I was trying to barge into the premises. So I asked ‘Oga, you didn’t have to shout at me like that. I was only looking for who to ask for direction’.

“Apparently infuriated by my guts, he dragged and pushed me away. Within seconds, a mobile policeman got up and slapped me. He used abusive words and warned me to move away. But I kept asking what I did to warrant the treatment.

“At this point, the protocol officer and two mobile policemen were taking turns to hit me on the chest while pushing me backwards; one slapped me the second time.

“I calmly walked some meters away and told and called Joel, the governor’s aide. As soon as he came, the security officials cornered him and were trying to change the story.

“I hurriedly strolled to where they were and insisted to know why I was assaulted. By this time, one of the policemen I believe is superior and another man wearing a blue safari suit and white T-shirt warned me to leave the area of face the consequences.

“The policeman’s eyes were red as if thirsty for blood. He kept screaming that he will punish with me mercilessly. So I called his name out, Iliya Ali: I told him to his face that I will report the incident to appropriate authority.

“Once he heard his name, he reached for his holster and attempted to bring out his gun. He said I have eyes to see his name and mouth to mention his name so he will shut me up “now now”, affirming his readiness to open fire.

He added: ‘I will show you if na your mama, your papa or your any person you wan report me to give me name. I will deal with you anytime, anywhere I see you around this place’.

“He also asked the Governor’s aide to leave the scene so he can deal with me. All the while, he was trying to bring out his gun while the governor’s aide was asking him calm down.

“I sensed he might make real his threat so I took transport and left the scene because only a fool will continue to argue with a man with a firearm. I spoke to the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, who sent Kogi CP’s number. I tried to reach him but couldn’t but sent sms. No response from him as I speak.

“I have left the state before my time is cut short. Kogi Police Command will hear from DAILY POST lawyers. Police brutality in Nigeria must be checked”.

Checks revealed similar fate befell another journalist, Segun Salami of Channels Television, at the Kogi Government House in August.

Salami was hospitalised as a result of the beatings he got from security personnel attached to the place.