Air Force Officers Assault Journalist at IKEDC Office
A PUNCH Newspapers reporter, Dare Olawin, was attacked by armed personnel from the Nigerian Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos. The officers also seized his phone after storming the headquarters of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).
Chaos at IKEDC Office
The incident happened around 7:40 a.m. on Thursday when military officers, led by a female officer, forcefully entered the IKEDC office near the MITV building in Ikeja. They blocked the roads, detained staff and visitors, and caused panic in the area.
Journalists Targeted and Beaten
Mr. Olawin had arrived at the IKEDC office to join other journalists heading to Adiyan, Ogun State, for the launch of a solar project. While waiting in a bus with a TVC cameraman and another reporter, Air Force personnel suddenly confronted them.
Without giving any explanation, the officers harassed them and forced them to sit on the ground. They then took Mr. Olawin’s Android phone, a small iTel phone, and a white power bank. He was also threatened with death if he spoke about the incident.
Why the Military Stormed IKEDC
Investigations revealed that the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja had been without electricity for two weeks. This happened after IKEDC disconnected them over unpaid debts running into millions of naira.
Sources said the Air Force had an agreement to pay IKEDC ₦60 million monthly for 10 to 12 hours of electricity daily. However, the power cut affected critical operations at the base, including medical services, water supply, and an armament warehouse that needs cooling to prevent overheating.
A military source, speaking anonymously, warned that a power failure at the base could be dangerous. The 2002 Ikeja Cantonment bomb blast disaster, caused by poor facility maintenance, was cited as a reminder of what could go wrong.
IKEDC’s Response
When contacted, IKEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, explained that the base was technically disconnected, but not just because of unpaid bills. He stated that certain installations were needed to improve power supply, but the Air Force had not allowed access for the work to be done.
“We are ready to resolve this, but they must allow us access to carry out necessary installations and system upgrades,” Mr. Okotie said. He also mentioned that IKEDC officials had faced hostility within the barracks, making it difficult to complete technical work.
Tensions Rise as Calls for Resolution Grow
With frustration mounting, a military source urged IKEDC to restore power within 48 hours, warning that prolonged disconnection could have serious security implications.
However, Mr. Okotie stood firm, insisting that electricity must be paid for. He called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
As of now, the Nigerian Air Force has not released an official statement on the incident.
