Journalist Escapes Arrest After Demanding To Interview President Buhari

By Oladapo Okeowo

Tunde Oyedoyin, London correspondent of Guardian, reports having being close to be arrested at the Abuja House London, after demanding to see and interview President Muhammadu Buhari.

Oyedoyin had gone to the Abuja House where the President is said to be residing during his extended vacation.

Upon entry, he identified himself and asked to see the President but reports that he was told “As far as I am concerned, he is not here”.

The journalist said at 2:50pm, a black Mercedes jeep arrived, and the occupant sitting by the driver rolled down the glass and asked him, “Why are you here?”

In response, he told him who he was and his business to which the man replied: “He’s not here, you can’t see anybody here.”

Threatened with arrest
Upon Oyedoyin’s insistence, he was threatened with arrest.

A security guard came out and said “You should realise this is a private place and I will call the police.”

A threat the security guard made good later on as two police officers, Constables Marlett and Stock, were called in by the security staff at the Abuja House to arrest the reporter.

When both arrived, they took Oyedoyin biodata information and subsequently made a check on the national database, waiting around a while before leaving later on.

The government has not given a response to this yet nor has the claim been refuted.

This incidence is one in a long line of incidences caused by the presidency’s extended leave and seemly reticence in speaking to Nigerians and abating their fears.

Nigerians have had to rely on reports from other politicians who have visited the UK- Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House Yakubu Dogara- and say the president is hale and hearty and US President Donald Trump who spoke with him recently via phone.