Assault on EBS reporter is attack on press freedom, Edo NUJ says
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has come hard on Kelly Okungbowa aka Ebo Stone, who allegedly assaulted a reporter with state owned broadcasting services – EBS.
The union condemned the attack in all its ramifications, saying the act was an attack on press freedom.
A statement by the state chairman of the NUJ, Festus Alenkhe and secretary, Andy Egbon, called on the relevant authorities – the Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies – to immediately arrest and investigate Okungbowa and ensure he is brought to justice.
Juliet Enabulele Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, was reported to have been assaulted at a public event in Benin City on Wednesday.
The statement described the assault as a direct attack on press freedom, journalist safety, and the right of media practitioners to perform their lawful duties without intimidation, harassment, or violence.
The NUJ warned that such actions will no longer be tolerated and called on members of the public, especially public figures, to respect the constitutional role of the media in sustaining democracy and promoting transparency.
The statement read in part: “The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has condemned in strong terms the assault on Juliet Enabulele, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), who was assaulted and manhandled by Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone) at a public function in Benin City on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
“The leadership of the union considers this act as a blatant attack on press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the right of media professionals to carry out their lawful duties without fear, intimidation, or violence.
“The NUJ further warns that attacks on journalists in the line of duty will no longer be tolerated, and urges members of the public, especially public figures, to exercise restraint and show respect for the constitutional role of the media in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability.
“The Union calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to immediately investigate this incident and ensure that justice is served.”
Ebo Stone is a known political thug and enforcer, who was the coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) and also served as the Chairman of the Edo State Asset Recovery Committee. He has since been suspended from these roles by the Edo State government.
He was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in March 2025 for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Nigerian naira, a charge for which he has since been arraigned in Federal High Court. The arrest followed the emergence of a viral video showing him spraying naira notes at a bar.
