We can now authoritatively report that the top Lagos-based journalist arrested by men of the State Security Service (SSS) on Friday, Tunde Moshood has now been released.
TM, as many know him as, was arrested by officials of the SSS at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on his arrival from Germany on Friday evening. We earlier broke the story on Saturday morning of his arrest, when his whereabouts was then unknown.
TM was trying to take a picture of a leaking roof at the airport with his camera phone when he was nabbed.
Speaking to Nigeriafilms.com on the incident when later contacted, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Yakubu Datti, explained that the journalist may have attempted to snap a restricted area of the airport. He agreed that the airport is a public building, but noted that there are some restricted areas at the airport for national security.
Datti also further explained that the airport is presently undergoing a massive transformation, which is being done gradually and in phases. He noted that it is expected to see those bad areas because of past neglects. Datti said airport repairs have been done without closing down the airport, which should be commended.
Narrating his ordeal after he regained freedom, TM, in an exclusive press statement made available to Nigeriafilms.com, thanked everyone who stood by him. His statement is reproduced below;
"It is unfortunate I had to write this, I wouldn't but for pressure from friends, colleagues and family members who have been so worried about my whereabouts in the past 24 hours especially when it has to do with security agents in Nigeria and how far they can go to romance bosses at the top.
"G.K Dilibe, the big boss and MMIA Comptroller General whom I met after hours of threatened moments, he was particularly humane, approachable and saw reasons with me that the 'boys" were only being overzealous about what transpired, 'they should have explained situations to you, the airport is wearing massive transformation.
"As a thorough, experienced and undaunted journalist who cut his teeth during the inglorious reigns of maximum dictators, one has masterminded the fragile terrain of society, crime and entertainment reportage.
"The event of the past 24 hours has taught me that professionalism is not sportsmanship. If you don't succeed, you won't be in your profession for long. In our society, it's not about good or bad. It's about who's on top.
"I was on board Lufthansa from Frankfurt and slightly after we alighted from the plane, just before the "inactive" escalator at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, we (all passengers) felt a mist-like drops from the roof of a very hot arrival hall. What! Is it raining? For where! (No).
"We all felt embarrassed especially as a nation that has a history for being one of the richest oil producers in the world. I am sure no good journalist will want to miss this, more so not a restricted type.
"No sooner had I helped myself with the photograph than an officer accosted me, "my friend, come here, which pictures are you taking, can I have your passport, who're you, just follow me", he ordered in a very mean voice.
"Unperturbed. I followed him and believe that my explanation will drive home a good point, and I was even ready to let go had the approach been civil.
"The next thing was seeing them making calls, "who's that on duty that will take up this matter o, this is one of the people that are disturbing madam (the aviation minister he meant) and we have to deal with him.
"It was a big scene, people tried to let them see reasons but I was later taken away to a secluded office where I spent hours before we finally met at a round table even though I was left stranded in middle of the night.
"I hereby thank friends, family and well-wishers, and everyone who found my well-being a cup of tea in their life. God bless.
Tunde Moshood
Editor
National Enquirer."
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