The Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ogun State Chapter, has paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the police and the broadcast media in the state.
The delegation, led by the FIBAN Ogun State Chairman, Comrade Lekan Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, used the visit to foster a stronger working relationship with the Ogun State Police Command and discuss issues bordering on security reporting, access to information and the role of broadcasters in promoting peace and public safety.
Speaking during the engagement, CP Bode Ojajuni commended the association for the visit and acknowledged the important role played by broadcasters in informing, educating and sensitising members of the public.
The CP confirmed his attendance and support to the forthcoming landmark lecture on Yoruba Traditional Religion and Human Rights being organised by the state chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN). The lecture, scheduled to hold on Friday, August 21, 2026, is expected to focus on Yoruba traditional religion and its relationship with human rights, with the aim of promoting understanding, peaceful coexistence and respect for cultural and religious diversity.
The Commissioner, however, cautioned media practitioners against publishing or broadcasting reports that could undermine ongoing police investigations or compromise efforts to apprehend criminal suspects.
According to him, while the media has a constitutional and professional responsibility to keep the public informed, security-related reports must be handled with caution, accuracy and a sense of responsibility.
CP Ojajuni urged broadcasters to verify information before putting it on air, particularly when such information concerns ongoing investigations, suspects, victims, operational strategies or sensitive security matters.
He stressed that premature disclosure of certain details could alert suspects, expose investigative methods, jeopardise evidence gathering or otherwise frustrate the successful resolution of criminal cases.
The Police Commissioner called for greater cooperation between the Command and the media, urging broadcasters to seek clarification from the appropriate authorities whenever they are in doubt about sensitive security information.
He also encouraged the media to give adequate attention to positive security developments and public safety initiatives, noting that responsible reporting can contribute significantly to crime prevention and peaceful coexistence.
In his response, the FIBAN Ogun State Chairman, Comrade Lekan Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba), thanked the Commissioner for receiving the association and for his openness to dialogue with broadcasters.
Shoyinka reaffirmed FIBAN’s commitment to responsible broadcasting and pledged that members of the association would continue to uphold professional ethics while performing their role as watchdogs of society.
He noted that the media and security agencies have complementary responsibilities in the fight against crime, stressing that effective communication and mutual understanding between both sides would benefit the people of Ogun State.
The visit ended with a commitment by both FIBAN and the Ogun State Police Command to strengthen their relationship and maintain regular engagement on issues relating to security, public information and responsible media reporting.
The association also expressed its willingness to work with the Police Command in promoting security awareness and ensuring that the people of Ogun State receive credible, balanced and timely information.
