Police Arrest Journalist Over Cyberstalking, Incitement Allegations
He was apprehended on October 20 near Teachers House, Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, following a petition regarding viral videos allegedly containing inflammatory statements.
Broadcast journalist Chinoso Uba, popularly known as NonsoNkwa, has been arrested by the Imo State Police Command.
He was apprehended on October 20 near Teachers House, Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, following a petition regarding viral videos allegedly containing inflammatory statements.
The videos were said to relate to the burning of the National Open University (NOUN) Study Center in Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA, on September 30, 2024.
Police spokesman Henry Okoye, in a statement on Monday, confirmed the arrest for alleged “cyberstalking, character defamation, misinformation, and civil unrest.”
The police clarified that contrary to circulating reports of abduction, NonsoNkwa was detained at the State Headquarters.
“Nonsonkwa is currently detained at State Headquarters and will be arraigned in court with appropriate charges once a comprehensive investigation is completed,” Okoye said.
Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the identity of the individual who filed the petition that led to NonsoNkwa’s arrest. His supporters have called for transparency, claiming the charges were politically motivated.
As the investigation progresses, the public awaits further updates from the police on the charges that will be brought against the journalist.
Meanwhile, an activist and journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, has condemned the method used by the police in arresting NonsoNkwa.
Okeoma stressed that the police must respect NonsoNkwa’s constitutional rights while he remains in custody.
NonsoNkwa was taken into custody on Sunday evening in Owerri, the Imo State capital, by operatives of the state police.
According to a statement issued by the state command police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, on Monday, the journalist was arrested following a petition accusing him of cyberstalking, character defamation, misinformation, and civic unrest.
Okeoma condemned the arrest, saying it had caused public fear and misinformation. “Firstly, I condemn the way and manner Chinonso Uba was arrested in Owerri on Sunday.
The unprofessional process fuelled speculation that he was kidnapped and people went to town with such misinformation, thereby escalating the security status of the state,” he said.
The activist further noted that the police could have handled the situation more appropriately by inviting NonsoNkwa for questioning, as the petition against him was filed by an unnamed individual.
“While it is part of the constitutional responsibilities of the police to arrest and investigate issues and people, I call on the police to respect NonsoNkwa’s constitutional and civic rights while in their custody,” Okeoma added.
He insisted that NonsoNkwa should be granted access to his lawyers, family, and colleagues.
Okeoma also urged the police to ensure that he is not held for an extended period before being arraigned, warning that such an act would violate his rights.
Okeoma was confident that NonsoNkwa would emerge stronger, stating, “This will be another win for NonsoNkwa. He will come out stronger. Journalists can’t be bullied into submission in this state or any other state of the federation.”
He concluded by reiterating the important role journalists play in society, saying, “Journalists will continue to speak truth to power. The constitution recognizes journalists as the watchdogs of the society.”
