Army explains why journalist was arrested

The Nigerian Army has said that they arrested Plateau State journalist Lawrence Zongo for allegedly entering a restricted military area without permission. They raised security worries about his use of Meta smart glasses.

Mr Zongo, who is a conflict journalist and a volunteer with Amnesty International, was taken into custody on 5 October at a military hospital inside Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, the base of the Army’s 3 Division in Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State.

He was reportedly at the facility to visit family members who were being treated for injuries from an attack in Bassa Local Government Area.

Amnesty International reacted to his detention on Wednesday, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

The organization stated that Mr Zongo had been held without communication since his arrest and that they had not been able to reach him.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention of our member in Plateau State, Mr Lawrence Zongo, who has been unlawfully detained incommunicado in military detention in Jos since Monday,” the organization said.

“Mr Zongo must either be handed over to civil authorities or immediately released.”

But the Army, in a statement on Friday, insisted that Mr Zongo was arrested after allegedly entering the restricted area without the necessary clearance from the right authorities.

They also mentioned that his use of Meta smart glasses raised security issues within the facility. The Army dismissed claims that pressure from Amnesty International and other groups forced them to release the journalist.

Details of Arrest and Release

Conflict journalist Masara Kim shared more information about the arrest and later release on social media.

According to Mr Kim, Mr Zongo went into the military facility without proper clearance while wearing Meta smart glasses and headed towards the hospital. He stated that the journalist introduced himself as an Amnesty International volunteer visiting family members receiving treatment.

Mr Kim said military police interrogated him because they could not verify that the patients were indeed his relatives. These details could not be independently confirmed.

Mr Kim mentioned that some military personnel had planned to accuse Mr Zongo of espionage, but interventions by various individuals and groups helped secure his release.

He named youth leaders Dalyop Mwantiri and Ezekiel Bini as part of those who intervened, stating they appealed on the journalist’s behalf and promised to bring him back for any further investigation.

According to Mr Usman, Mr Zongo was supposed to be moved to Abuja on 9 October but was released due to these interventions. He added that the investigation would continue and the journalist might be asked to help with further inquiries.

It is unclear if Mr Zongo was formally charged with any crime or if the Army has completed its investigation.

Amnesty Raises Concerns Over Due Process

Amnesty International continues to express worries about Mr Zongo’s detention, saying it raises serious issues about his rights and due process.

The organization reiterated its call for either his release or transfer to civilian authorities, noting that they had been unable to reach him.

While the Army pointed to unauthorized access to a restricted military site and security worries over the journalist’s smart glasses, there are still questions about the legal reasons for his detention and the circumstances of his release.

Reports do not clarify whether Mr Zongo was informed of why he was arrested or if he had access to a lawyer during his detention.

The Army’s explanation and Amnesty International’s concerns show the need for clear information on the legal reasons for the detention and the status of the investigation.