May 24, (THEWILL)- The International Press Centre’s Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Globalupfront Editor-in-Chief, Madu Onuorah, who was allegedly whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force.
A statement issued by IPC Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, on Thursday, said Onuorah was whisked away by about ten fully-armed policemen who stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses at about 6pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
“He was arrested in the presence of his wife and children who fruitlessly demanded from the police why they were arresting the head of the family. He was not even allowed to contact his lawyer or any of his relations before he was whisked away to the Lugbe police station,” it said.
IPC’s Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, condemned Onuorah’s arrest and subsequent detention, saying, “The media once again is under attack. The rate at which journalists and media practitioners are being arrested is alarming and should be of serious concern to all.
“Anybody who has an issue against Madu Onuorah should approach the court of justice and not use the Police to unlawfully infringe his fundamental rights.”
The I-CSPJ, according to the statement, called on the Inspector General of Police “to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Madu Onuorah, who at the time of drafting this statement has not been released or charged to court.
“I-CSPJ also calls on other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for a free press in Nigeria.”
About the Author
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
