Falana seeks probe of threat to broadcaster’s life

Human rights activist, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), has urged the
police to investigate the case of conspiracy and threat to the life
of a radio presenter, Mr Babatunde Bamigboye.

Bamigboye, popularly known as Omo Edema, an independent producer
with Ado Ekiti based Voice FM and Adaba FM, Akure, was allegedly
assaulted by some National Union of Road Transport Workers members
in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on November 8, 2016.

He had gone to the motor park to investigate a matter involving
kidnapping allegedly perpetrated by some members of the union when
he was assaulted and threatened with death alongside two of his
colleagues.

Falana, in the petition dated November 16, 2018, to the Area
Commander, NPF Akure, titled “Case of Criminal Conspiracy, Assault,
Attempted Murder and Threat To Life of Messrs Babatunde Bamigboye,
Ezekiel Olorunfemi and Kayode Ajayi,” urged the police to act fast
on the matter, alleging that the lives of his client and colleagues
were being threatened.

Bamigboye had earlier last week petitioned the Ondo State Police
Command before the case was taken over by Falana and Falana’s
Chambers.

The petition written by Falana and Falana Chambers reads in
part: “That on the 8th of November, 2018, one Mrs Oluwatayo
Aanuoluwa approached our client and explained the circumstances
leading to how she mysteriously found herself at Osogbo, Osun
State, after boarding an Ilesa bus from Akure, Ondo State
capital.

“That our client subsequently advised Mrs Aanuoluwapo to make a
formal report at the Special Anti-kidnapping Squad of Ondo Police
Command.

“That our client further took steps to verify the story of Mrs
Oluwatayo Aanuoluwa by going to the unit of the NURTW concerned. On
getting to the unit, the NURTW members were not cooperative and our
client decided to leave the park.

“Our client, including Ezekiel Olorunfemi and Kayode Ajayi were
publicly humiliated and molested by members of the NURTW units.
Meanwhile, our client would have been lynched if not for the timely
intervention of the men of Nigeria Police Force who came to their
rescue.

“That as we present this petition, our client fears for his life
as some strange cars have been trailing his movements within and
outside Ondo State.

“In this circumstance, we humbly request your revered office to
cause a detailed investigation to be done into the facts presented
in this petition so as to charge the perpetrators to court, as any
attempt to sweep the case under the carpet will be resisted,”
Falana stated.

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