The Editor of an online newspaper, KOGI Reports, Opeyemi Owoeye, was arrested on Thursday, June 11, 2026, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following a report linking Hon. Leke Abejide to the controversial APC Kogi West Senatorial primary.
According to KOGI Reports and sources close to the journalist, Hon. Abejide, Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, directed the NSCDC to effect the arrest.
The story in question alleged that the lawmaker was seeking to use the office of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to influence the outcome of the party primary.
As of the time of this report, the NSCDC had not issued a public statement explaining the arrest or stating the legal basis for detaining a journalist over a published report.
Sources at the command said Owoeye was being held pending further directive.
This is not the first allegation of Abejide using state security against critics.
Last year, a political associate identified as Jesse from Mopamuro was reportedly arrested and detained for several days after questioning the lawmaker on rotational arrangements for the constituency seat.
The lawmaker did not respond to requests for comment on that incident at the time.
Sources close to Owoeye’s family also noted that the journalist’s late father was a known supporter of Hon. Abejide, a development family members say makes the current action more painful for them.
Bail for Owoeye was reportedly delayed by NSCDC officials, who allegedly told associates that release would only follow an order from the federal lawmaker.
Attempts to reach Hon. Leke Abejide and the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC for official comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
While parties are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. KOGI Reports’ allegations and the lawmaker’s response will be updated as more information becomes available. (vitalnewsngr.com)
