Inside Edo
Allegations of conflict of interest rock Edo NUJ over handling of journalist assault case
Written By: Ehioze Gilbert
09 Dec 2025 04:49 AM
Benin, Edo – A fresh controversy has erupted within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council, with stakeholders accusing the union's leadership of bias and reluctance to pursue justice for an assaulted female journalist due to their ties to state government media outlets.
The allegations surfaced in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by media practitioner Emmanuel Ikhenebome (@enebome), who claimed that NUJ Edo cannot "go beyond the press release" in the case because its Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Andy Egbon, are employed by government-owned media establishments.
"How can Alenkhe or Egbon investigate or demand CCTV footage from their boss for evidence?" Ikhenebome questioned, adding a zipped-mouth emoji to underscore the perceived silence.
This comes amid the recent assault on Juliet Enabulele-Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) attached to the Office of the First Lady, and her cameraman, Bright Osifo, on December 3, 2025, during a public function in government house, in Benin City.
The duo was attacked by Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, a former aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to eyewitness accounts, Okungbowa pounced on Osifo, accusing him of recording an incident, and when Asein intervened to clarify that no recording was taking place, he struck her on the shoulder in an attempted slap, slamming her against a wall.
Asein was subsequently hospitalized for injuries sustained in the altercation.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from media stakeholders and civil society organizations.
In response, NUJ Edo swiftly issued a press release on December 3, signed by Alenkhe and Egbon, denouncing the assault as "unacceptable" and calling on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Okungbowa.
The statement highlighted the attack as a "direct assault on press freedom and the democratic tenets of our society."
However, by December 5, the union announced a "resolution" to the matter, with some reports suggesting an apology from Okungbowa and a forgiveness extended by NUJ Edo.
This quick closure has fueled criticisms, including Ikhenebome's earlier post on December 3 urging the union to "go beyond press release and ensure justice," which his latest update claims has been confirmed as unfeasible due to internal conflicts.
Civil society voices have echoed these concerns. A statement from a local CSO supported NUJ's initial condemnation but urged Okungbowa to formally apologize, while emphasizing the need for thorough investigations, including CCTV review.
Women's rights groups have also weighed in, framing the assault as part of broader gender-based violence against female journalists in Nigeria.
Ikhenebome's post has sparked discussions about the integrity of union leadership in state-affiliated media environments.
The Edo State Police Command has yet to confirm any arrests or ongoing probes, despite NUJ's earlier demands.
Media watchdogs are calling for an independent inquiry to restore public trust in the union's advocacy role, even as the development underscores ongoing tensions between press freedom and political affiliations in Nigeria's media landscape, with advocates urging stronger safeguards for journalists amid rising attacks.
The allegations surfaced in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by media practitioner Emmanuel Ikhenebome (@enebome), who claimed that NUJ Edo cannot "go beyond the press release" in the case because its Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Andy Egbon, are employed by government-owned media establishments.
"How can Alenkhe or Egbon investigate or demand CCTV footage from their boss for evidence?" Ikhenebome questioned, adding a zipped-mouth emoji to underscore the perceived silence.
This comes amid the recent assault on Juliet Enabulele-Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) attached to the Office of the First Lady, and her cameraman, Bright Osifo, on December 3, 2025, during a public function in government house, in Benin City.
The duo was attacked by Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, a former aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to eyewitness accounts, Okungbowa pounced on Osifo, accusing him of recording an incident, and when Asein intervened to clarify that no recording was taking place, he struck her on the shoulder in an attempted slap, slamming her against a wall.
Asein was subsequently hospitalized for injuries sustained in the altercation.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from media stakeholders and civil society organizations.
In response, NUJ Edo swiftly issued a press release on December 3, signed by Alenkhe and Egbon, denouncing the assault as "unacceptable" and calling on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Okungbowa.
The statement highlighted the attack as a "direct assault on press freedom and the democratic tenets of our society."
However, by December 5, the union announced a "resolution" to the matter, with some reports suggesting an apology from Okungbowa and a forgiveness extended by NUJ Edo.
This quick closure has fueled criticisms, including Ikhenebome's earlier post on December 3 urging the union to "go beyond press release and ensure justice," which his latest update claims has been confirmed as unfeasible due to internal conflicts.
Civil society voices have echoed these concerns. A statement from a local CSO supported NUJ's initial condemnation but urged Okungbowa to formally apologize, while emphasizing the need for thorough investigations, including CCTV review.
Women's rights groups have also weighed in, framing the assault as part of broader gender-based violence against female journalists in Nigeria.
Ikhenebome's post has sparked discussions about the integrity of union leadership in state-affiliated media environments.
The Edo State Police Command has yet to confirm any arrests or ongoing probes, despite NUJ's earlier demands.
Media watchdogs are calling for an independent inquiry to restore public trust in the union's advocacy role, even as the development underscores ongoing tensions between press freedom and political affiliations in Nigeria's media landscape, with advocates urging stronger safeguards for journalists amid rising attacks.
Comments