The Coalition for Free Speech, a body made up of professionals in the mass media and civil society, on Wednesday described the invasion of the live studio of Urban Radio, Enugu, by armed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as disgraceful, urging the anti-graft agency to mete out appropriate sanctions on the officials responsible.

They also demanded a public apology from the commission to Urban Radio and the mass media industry at large for the unfortunate incident, while asking it to desist from further harassment of practitioners in the media sector.

Officials of the commission, allegedly investigating a Ponzi scheme, invaded the live studio of Enugu’s Urban Radio on Monday night, disrupted the programme, arrested the presenter, and reportedly took away communication gadgets, thus disrupting the station’s operations.

In a statement condemning the agency’s actions, signed by its leader, Uma Uche Gabriel, and the convener of the Office of the Citizen, Onyebuchi Igboke, the coalition stated that “the live studio of any broadcasting organisation is a sacred altar, and its sanctity must never be desecrated.”

They lamented the invasion, describing it as “reminiscent of the military era” and arguing that such actions undermine the practice and advancement of democracy.

“It is on record that the EFCC has invaded citizens’ homes, student hostels, hotels, clubs, and other spaces without warrants, violating fundamental rights in the process and raising questions about the level of training these officers receive regarding rules of engagement,” the statement read.

“The liberty of the mass media to free and responsible speech, as the conscience of the people, is guaranteed by Section 39 of the Nigerian constitution and must be protected at all costs.”

While the coalition said that it does not support any form of illegality and would back law enforcement in ensuring justice is served, it insisted that the rule of law must be upheld during such operations.

It further stated that the invasion of Urban Radio by EFCC officials is one of several attempts to stifle the media in Nigeria and deter it from fulfilling its role to the public.

“Otherwise, one would wonder why the urgency to arrest a suspect who was live on air, the disruption of a live program, and the ultimate interruption of transmission by the officials involved,” they said, recommending regular in-service training for EFCC personnel on human rights protection and rules of engagement.