GTCO Vs Four Journalist: NUJ Calls for GTBank Boycott Over Alleged Cyberstalking Trial
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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, has directed its members to shut down their Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) the parent company of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) accounts, effective immediately.
This move follows the prolonged detention of Seun Odunlami, a council member, and three others, who were arrested and remanded at the Ikoyi correctional center for over a month.
Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, Chairman of the council, expressed concern that the offense Odunlami and others were accused of is bailable, yet they remain in detention, violating their fundamental human rights.
“I stand before you with a heavy heart, compelled to address a deeply troubling matter involving the abduction and continued detention of an individual who is unjustly held under dubious circumstances,” Olarenwaju stated.
The chairman emphasized that the Cybercrime Act of 2024, as amended, has been used to intimidate the media with frivolous charges.
He noted that the manner in which Odunlami and others were arrested, in a “gestapo-like” manner, is alarming and appears to be manipulated for personal agendas.
Olarenwaju called on all journalists in Ogun State to close their GTBank accounts and urged other state councils to join the struggle to free their members.
“We must recognize that the use of police forces to enforce such actions is not just an infringement of rights, but a grave infraction on the principles of justice and democracy,” he added.
The NUJ chairman appealed to anyone with information or influence to stand up against this injustice, emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure fair treatment under the law. As the NUJ rallies against GTBank, the spotlight shines on the bank’s practices and the broader implications for press freedom and human rights in Nigeria.
The GTBank controversy has sparked concerns among journalists and human rights advocates, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the banking sector.
As the situation unfolds, the NUJ remains committed to protecting the rights of its members and promoting a free and independent press.
