December 04, (THEWILL) — The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has condemned what it described as the “egregious and notorious” assault on Mrs. Juliet Enabulele, a journalist attached to the Office of the First Lady at the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), allegedly carried out by Mr. Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone.
The coalition, in a statement jointly signed by its Coordinator General, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, and Secretary General, Aghatise Raphael, said the alleged assault represents a grave violation of human dignity, press freedom and the rule of law.
Faulting the conduct of Okungbowa, who they described as a prominent stakeholder in the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the coalition emphasised that such behaviour is “utterly incompatible with civic responsibility.”
The group also expressed dismay that some political figures in the state have reportedly made light of or openly celebrated what they call “digital slaps”, a trend they warned only serves to normalise aggression and promote impunity among political actors.
“At a time when Edo State is battling high levels of insecurity, it is unconscionable that human energy is being wasted on assaulting unarmed women instead of protecting citizens”, the statement read.
The coalition urged the government to redirect individuals like Okungbowa toward strengthening public safety rather than contributing to fear and intimidation. They also called on Governor Okpebholo to publicly disassociate his administration from the incident, stressing that responsible leadership demands accountability, discipline and unwavering respect for human rights.
Citing Sections 34 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to human dignity and freedom of expression, the coalition warned that no individual—regardless of political standing, is above the law.
The coalition, therefore, demanded, with utmost urgency, a transparent and impartial investigation into the assault, a public denunciation of the emerging “digital slap” culture allegedly encouraged by prominent political actors in the state, a formal apology to Mrs Enabulele and the Edo Broadcasting Service, the introduction of stronger protective mechanisms for journalists across Edo State, and the mobilisation of all supporters of justice and press freedom to join a peaceful protest against the attack on the journalist.
The statement reaffirmed the coalition’s solidarity with Mrs Enabulele and all defenders of truth, justice and human dignity, stressing that it will not tolerate acts that undermine equity, decency or accountability. “An injury to one is an injury to all”, the group declared.
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