Police Ransack Newspaper House, Arrest 2 Staff over Alleged Libelous Publication

Police in Akwa Ibom State has arrested two staff of a newspaper House in the state for alleged libellous publication. Report has it that police from the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, this afternoon (Monday, 19/7/2021) ransacked the operational office of Sermon Newspaper located on Paul Bassey Street, Uyo,Akwa Ibom State Capital.

According to sources, the security agents who arrived at the Newspaper office between 2 and 3 pm actually came after the Newspaper publisher, Mr Bonny Nyong who was not available in the office at the time.

Sources further disclosed that the arrested staff, all-female administrative staff have reportedly refused to disclose the Newspaper publisher’s whereabout. It was gathered that the said arrest was at the instance of the Proprietor of Southern Atlantic Polytechnic, Uruan, Mr Bassey James following a story published by the Newspaper, which the Polytechnic authority viewed as false, misleading and damaging as well as libellous in all ramifications.

Speaking with this reporter from his perceived hideout, Mr Nyong appealed to the police to release his staff with immediate effect, warning that, Mr James should approach the Court for necessary legal action as allowed by law.