Four journalists with the Leadership Newspapers were on Monday detained at the Force headquarters, Abuja over a story published by the medium last week, but two were released around 8pm.
The journalists, Mrs. Chinyere Fred-Adegbulugbe, Mr. Tony Amokeodo, Mr. Chibuzor Ukaibe, and Mr. Chuks Ohuegbe, had reported at the Force Headquarters on invitation by the police, but were not allowed to leave after writing statements.
The police had summoned the journalists over a story titled, 'Outrage Trails Presidential directive on Tinubu, APC,' published by Leadership Newspapers last week.
Fred-Adegbulugbe and Ohuegbe were released at about 7.30pm while Amokeodo and Ukaibe were driven out of the premises of the Force Headquarters and taken to an unknown destination.
Findings indicated that the journalists were taken to the police tracking unit, an underground detention centre at the force Criminal Investigation Department in Area 10, Abuja.
Amokeodo informed our correspondent through series of text messages that the police said they must disclose the source of the bromide document on the story before they could be released.
Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, could not be reached for comment as he did not respond to calls to his telephone
Meanwhile, the management of Leadership newspapers has condemned the detention of its staff by the police which it described as a brazen affront on press freedom.
A statement by the Group Managing Director, Leadership Group Limited, Ishiekwene, Azubuike expressed disappointment in the government for instigating the detention of the journalists.
Also, Nigerian Guild of Editors has demanded the release of the Leadership newspaper journalists.
In a statement by its President, Femi Adesina, the Guild condemned the arrest, saying "no government that lays claim to democratic credentials can afford to be at loggerheads with the Press".
Also, in a separate statement on Monday, Nigerian Young Journalists Forum, also condemned the detention.
