A journalist based in Awka, Anambra State, Mr. Izunna Okafor, has accused police officers and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives stationed at the Anambra State House of Assembly Complex of harassment, intimidation, physical assault, illegal detention, and the seizure of his mobile devices and other personal items during an assignment on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

The Incident: Attempting to Cover the Budget Defence

Okafor, who works with Onyokomita News and Igbo Radio, shared the disturbing encounter with SaharaReporters, describing the actions of the security personnel as “overzealous,” “pedantic,” and an abuse of power against a journalist performing his legitimate duties at a public institution.

The confrontation began when Okafor tried to gain access to the Assembly Complex to cover the 2026 budget defense of the Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka. According to Okafor, the security officers’ conduct was an example of the increasing tendency of security agents to use “unnecessary and unlawful force” under the guise of enforcing “protocols.”

Okafor reflected on the situation, saying, “Public institutions exist to serve the public, and security operatives are meant to ensure order, protect lives and property, and facilitate legitimate civic engagement. But when the line between security and obstruction blurs, the consequences fall on innocent citizens and the democratic process.”

Confrontation at the Gate

The altercation started when Okafor arrived at the Assembly gate and was told by a police officer to reverse and park outside. When he complied and returned to the gate, the officer demanded to know his identity and purpose. Okafor explained he was there as a journalist assigned to cover the Commissioner’s budget defense, but the officers insisted that he must call the Commissioner to personally verify his presence.

Despite Okafor’s explanation and the fact that the Commissioner was already engaged with other journalists inside, the officers insisted on further verification. Okafor explained that he had already attempted to contact Mrs. Azuka Offor, the Ministry’s Information Officer, but she had declined the call, indicating she was busy. He suggested that the officers accompany him inside to confirm his credentials, but they refused and physically pushed him back when he tried to proceed.

Seizure of Phones and Recording the Incident

In an attempt to ensure the situation wasn’t misrepresented, Okafor activated the audio recorder on his phone. This seemed to trigger the officers’ anger. When a vehicle arrived at the scene and an officer stepped aside to speak with its occupant, another officer became enraged upon seeing Okafor recording and forcibly seized his two phones.

“Consequently, and shockingly, they forcefully seized my two phones, stopped the recording, and began going through my devices,” Okafor recounted. He questioned why the officers were so concerned with his recording if their actions were lawful.

Detention and Forced Apology

By the time Okafor’s intended assignment was over, he had missed the budget defense entirely. When he asked for his phones back, the officers refused and instead called the Public Relations Officer of the Assembly, Mr. Emma Madu. Upon his arrival, Madu described the situation as “complex” but did not intervene.

The officers insisted that Okafor follow them inside to “clear himself” before the Commissioner, which he reluctantly did. However, while inside, the officers attempted to interrupt the Commissioner’s private engagement. It was at this point that Hon. Noble Igwe, the Member representing Ogbaru I Constituency, approached and heard the officers’ version of events.

A female officer revealed that they intended to detain Okafor at the B-Division “to teach him a lesson,” which was supported by Igwe, who said that Okafor had “insulted the House” and was “fortunate the Speaker was not present.”

Okafor was then dragged toward detention despite the Commissioner’s intervention, and at the detention post, officers ordered him to sit on the bare floor. They reportedly referred to him as an “enemy of the police” and warned that he would “pay through [his] nose today.” At this point, discussions about handcuffs were overheard, and Okafor’s belongings remained confiscated.

Final Attempts at Resolution

After a prolonged period, Okafor was forced into a vehicle for transport to B-Division. However, as the vehicle was about to leave the premises, it was recalled for further discussions with the Commissioner and the lawmaker. The Commissioner suggested resolving the matter internally, but the officers insisted that Okafor write an apology letter and sign an undertaking before being released.

Okafor refused to comply, and eventually, he was freed without signing the letter. However, before returning his devices, he was compelled to play the audio recording of the incident. After hearing the recording, the House member insisted it be deleted. His aide privately scrolled through Okafor’s phone and deleted the file.

As he left the premises, Okafor overheard officers boasting about “teaching him a lesson.”

Police Response

Okafor later contacted the Police Public Relations Officer of the State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who described the incident as a “protocol issue.” In a statement issued on Thursday, December 11, Ikenga clarified that no journalist was detained at any point, stating that the security personnel were simply enforcing standard procedures to confirm the individual’s identity and the authenticity of his invitation.

Ikenga explained that the “enemy” remark was a “situational statement” arising from perceived unsatisfactory explanations. He also stated that the individual who invited Okafor was not a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly or its staff.

“The Command remains committed to maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with the press,” Ikenga concluded.