Emenike Iroegbu, publisher of Abia facts was arrested in front of his family in Akwa Ibom by operatives of the State Security Service. He was arrested over online publications published by his website, Abia Facts which government officials in Akwa Ibom and Abia states deemed critical and felt uncomfortable with.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in Abia, the state was not behind Mr. Iroegbu’s arrest but confirmed he was wanted in the state on offences bordering on “defamation” because Mr Iroegbu was said to have recently ”published an article saying the governor buried a 9-year-old in the Government House in Umuahia,” among other publications that were critical of the Okezie Ikpeazu administration in Abia state.
Actions Taken
There have been no charges levelled against Mr Emenike Iroegbu over his allegedly defamatory publications.
Details
State/Country
Abia State
Perpetrator
Emenike Iroegbu was arrested by operatives of the State Security Service in Akwa Ibom state from where he was transferred to the Abia state field office of the SSS. He was arrested and detained for 24 hours.
Legal Foundation
Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria give people freedom of the right to expression and the right to hold and impart information. Emenike Iroegbu was prevented from exercising his fundamental freedom of expression as a result of his arrest and detention. Emenike Iroegbu was unlawfully detained by operatives of the state security service in Akwa Ibom and Abia states.