.As Nigerians await the continuation of the trial of four journalists and members of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) slated for February 19 and 20, National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr Usman Akanbi, has called on Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its Group CEO, Segun Agbaje to demonstrate compassion to the journalists currently held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The journalists, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, were accused of conspiracy, cyberstalking, and publishing false allegations against GTCO and its CEO. They were arrested in September 2024 by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Ikoyi and detained to face trial on defamation charges.
Emphasizing the need to temper justice with mercy, President Akanbi, has appealed to GTCO and its CEO to allow compassion and fairness prevail in the trial of the four journalists who have been in prolonged detention. He urged GTCO to put an end to the hardship of the journalists by granting their bail application.
The President further stressed the importance of amicable resolutions at all times for a fair, just and peaceful society.
