IPC’s Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is calling for the immediate release of Globalupfront Editor-in-Chief, Madu Onuorah who was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force at about 6p.m on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at his residence in Lugbe, FCT Abuja.

Information reaching, I-CSPJ reveals that “About ten fully-armed policemen stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses.”

“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,” the report revealed.

“About ten fully-armed policemen stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses.

The management of the online news platform, in a statement on Thursday, said Mr Onuorah was whisked away at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the presence of his wife and children.

He was taken away by “stern-looking operatives. “About ten fully-armed policemen stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses according to the management of the news platform.

IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “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,” Arogundade further said.

I-CSPJ calls 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.

SGD:

Melody Akinjiyan

Press Freedom Officer, IPC

melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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Melody Akinjiyan
Program Officer