Gift Barry-ObaA journalist and researcher, Jamiu Folarin, has petitioned the Divisional Police Officer at Sabo/Ilupeju Police Station in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, over alleged threats to his life and the malicious damage to his property.
Folarin, who said he had purchased two plots of land through the Crescent University Abeokuta Cooperative Society (CRESCOOPS) over two years ago, described the tranquility of his land ownership until recent weeks.
In his letter addressed to the DPO, Folarin detailed the sequence of events leading to his distressing situation.
“I started noticing a series of threats to my life when I hosted a radio programme on Rockcity 101.9 F.M on the criminal activities of land grabbers in Ogun State as well as in-depth investigation into corruption in the execution of federal government projects across the State.”
“There were no issues on the land for the past two years but a few weeks after I hosted a programme on land grabbers and did a special investigation on the execution of federal government projects in Ogun State.”
He noted that after his media engagements, he has been subjected to a series of alarming incidents including intimidating phone calls, surveillance by unknown persons, and the most recent act of vandalism on his property.
The journalist revealed that all four corner pieces demarcating his two plots of land located at Olaparun village, near Yewa College of Education in Rounda, Abeokuta, were destroyed.
According to Folarin, intruders then proceeded to erect a mini-fence and replaced the corner pieces with new ones bearing different names such as Funke Jolaosho, Kabeer Salako, Bilikisu Salako, Deku/Ode City, and Hon L and K.
Folarin emphasised the urgency of the situation as he cited the apparent connection between the threats to his life, the trespassing, and the damage to his property as an attempt to silence him and impede his investigative efforts.
He appealed to the authorities for a thorough investigation into the threats and property damage, seeking the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible.
He also requested protection due to the sensitive nature of his work.
Folarin said he is committed to upholding the truth, stands firm in his resolve to pursue justice and continues his journalistic endeavours despite the intimidation he faces.
