SIX months after an assault on a renowned journalist, Mr. Yomi Olomofe, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) yesterday urged members to be their brother’s keeper in good and bad times.

The National President of the union, Mr. Waheed Odusile, made the call yesterday during a briefing at the NUJ Lagos Council office in Alausa, Lagos State.

Also present were Mr. Jiti Ogunye, NUJ Lagos State Chairman, Mr. Deji Elumoye and NUJ, Lagos Chapter Secretary, Mrs. Bimbo Oyetunde.

Odusile said though the culprits have not been apprehended, “the incident was reported to the police, NIgerian Custom Service (NCS) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) when it happened and the person in charge of Custom promised to work with the NUJ to get to the bottom of the case, but six months after, they are not saying anything tangible about the case.

“We cannot fold our hands and allow the matter to just fade away like others, so, we have decided to take the matter to court.”

The NUJ President, who noted that the matter had become very important to the union, as it would further buttress the need for freedom of expression, which is the media’s fundamental right, said: “The matter is before a Federal High Court in Lagos.”

Ogunye, in his own reaction, expressed concern over the constant occurrence of the matter, saying we decided to partner with NUJ to redefine principles of law that protects the journalists.”

He said that a N500 million suit had been filed against the Nigerian Custom Service under whose premises the attack took place, adding: “We would pursue the case to ensure that justice is served to Olomofe and NUJ, and we want to use this case to reassure people that journalists are not criminals.”