UNN Security Detains Journalist Investigating Poor Hostel Conditions

Amedia organisation, Afia TV Limited, has accused security personnel at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka of unlawfully arresting and detaining its correspondent, Elijah Akuma, during a reporting assignment on student accommodation.

In a statement issued on Friday, the broadcaster’s Managing Director, Emeka Mba, said Akuma was held for about two and a half hours on May 1 while conducting follow-up investigations into deteriorating hostel facilities on the Nsukka campus. The station said his release came only after intervention by its management and the Enugu State Government.

According to Afia TV, Akuma was on campus in a professional capacity, reporting on widely circulated concerns about poor living conditions in student hostels. The coverage followed viral footage from facilities such as Eni Njoku Hostel, which had triggered reactions from students, parents, and alumni.

The organisation said its reporting process included offering the university an opportunity to respond. It noted that UNN’s acting Public Relations Officer, Agha Inya, and education advocate Alex Onyia were interviewed in a televised discussion moderated by presenters Nathalie Ukwu and Orji Nwachukwu, both alumni of the institution.

Afia TV also referenced an interview with a visually impaired student, Daniel Nnamdi, who raised concerns about sanitation and lack of accessibility in the hostels. The broadcaster said reports later emerged that the student had been evicted, prompting further investigation. It was during this follow-up that Akuma was detained.

Condemning the incident, Afia TV described the detention as unjustified and a violation of press freedom, stating that no legal basis was provided for the arrest.

The organisation also rejected claims that its coverage was intended to discredit the university, calling such allegations unfounded and defamatory. It demanded a retraction from those circulating the claims.

Afia TV expressed appreciation to Peter Mbah and the state government for facilitating Akuma’s release.

The broadcaster said it would continue its reporting on student welfare issues, particularly concerns affecting vulnerable groups, including students with disabilities. It maintained that its coverage reflects a commitment to accountability and public interest reporting at one of Nigeria’s leading universities.