Imo Police arrest broadcast Journalist, Uba over alleged inciting statements

The Imo State Police Command have arrested a popular radio presenter Chinonso Ubah also called Nonsonkwa who was accused of engaging in what the command described as cyberstalking, character defamation and inflammatory statements.

Confirming the arrest, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye informed that the presenter was arrested by the Operatives of the Command on October 20, 2024, following a written petition from a concerned citizen regarding viral videos, where the presenter allegedly engaged in Character defamation, spreading misinformation and inflammatory statements against him.

The citizen also alleged that Uba’s statement led to the burning of the National Open University, NOUN, Study Center in Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA, on September 30, 2024, which the command claimed ignited civil unrest.

Okoye pointed out that the presenter was not abducted as was initially alleged but was arrested, informing that Uba is currently detained at State Headquarters of the command and will be arraigned in court with appropriate charges once a comprehensive investigation is completed.

“The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and order in the state, emphasizing that no individual involved in the tragic attack and burning of the NOUN study centre will escape full legal consequences, ” he stated.

The arrest of the presenter as it was gathered by our correspondent is currently generating reactions from members of the public, mostly media practitioners in the state following the manner the presenter was arrested.

Reacting to the development, a media practitioner, Chidi Nkwopara said arresting the presenter for informing the public based on information obtained from a popular TV station without also arresting the originator of the news amounts to selective justice.

An activist, also a Journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma claimed that the manner of the presenter’s arrest was not in line with the rule of law and fair hearing, accusing the command of delay in disclosing the arrest on time which he said led to the speculation that he was abducted.

He urged the police to respect the constitutional rights of the presenter by ensuring that he is not held in custody longer than is required by law.