Nonso Nkwa, a journalist, was apprehended by police operatives in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Sunday evening amid allegations of cyberstalking and incitement.
According to a statement from police spokesperson Henry Okoye, the arrest was made following a petition accusing Nkwa of cyberstalking, character defamation, spreading misinformation, and inciting civic unrest.
Activist Okeoma criticized the circumstances surrounding Nkwa’s arrest, asserting that it has created public anxiety and misinformation. “I condemn the manner in which Chinonso Uba was arrested in Owerri. The unprofessional approach led to rumors that he had been kidnapped, which only heightened the state’s security concerns,” he remarked.
Okeoma suggested that the police should have approached Nkwa differently, perhaps by inviting him for questioning instead of making an arrest based on a petition from an unnamed source. He emphasized that while the police have a constitutional duty to investigate, they must also respect Nkwa’s rights during his detention.
He further urged the police to ensure that Nkwa has access to his lawyers, family, and colleagues while in custody. Okeoma also called for Nkwa to be arraigned promptly, warning that any undue delay would infringe upon his rights.
Expressing confidence in Nkwa’s resilience, Okeoma stated, “This will be another win for Nonso Nkwa. He will emerge from this situation stronger. Journalists should not be intimidated into silence, whether in this state or elsewhere in the country.”
He concluded by highlighting the vital role journalists play in society, asserting, “Journalists will continue to speak truth to power. The constitution recognizes them as the watchdogs of society.”
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