NGO 18: Nigeria police must release the journalist Maazi Obinna Oporaku Akuwudike and support the right trial – Thage

IGP, Kayode Egbetokun

We, the supporters underlying for the freedom of the press, the state of law and democratic responsibility, strongly condemns the arbitrary and indefinite possession of the journalist and the media activist Maazi Obinna Oporaku Akuwudike by the Nigeria police officers, according to what was reported, acting under the direct orders of the police inspector, in Kayun.

Akuwudikeike was arrested at about 3:00 am in Owerri, in the state of Imo, following his viral interview on the YouTube channel by Adeola Fayehun. In the interview, he made serious accusations, including he was paid ₦ 2.5 million by a Sandra Duru (aka “Prof Mgbeke”) to produce defamatory content against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Auduaghan. Akuwudike also said that the president of the Senate Godswill Akpabio was the political and financial sponsor behind this harness campaign.

His arrest, which occurs in the middle of the night and without any clear accusation or appeal to the legal consultant, raises profound concerns for political interference, the suppression of freedom of the press and the violation of the constitutional rights guaranteed pursuant to sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and article 9 of the African paper on human and people rights.

We are particularly alarmed by the model of intimidation and criminalization of journalists and informants who dare to exhibit high -level corruption and poor political conduct. The fact that this arrest follows closely in the wake of explosive revelations that involve high government officials predicts the fears that the police are used as a tool for political persecution.

*Therefore, we issue the following urgent requests:

1. Immediate and unconditional release of Maazi Obinna Oporaku Akuwudike, or a prompt retreat before a Court of competent law if there are legitimate accusations.

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We remind the police forces of Nigeria and the office of the Inspector General that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy. The rule of law must replace the political opportunity. The intimidating voices of dissent or silent of informants undermines not only public trust, but also the founders of our democratic institutions.

We urge all the actors of civil society, media organizations and the international community to remain vigilant and speak in defense of the fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.

Signed,

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2. Center for community empowerment in conflict and construction of peace -kaduna

3. Foundation for the defense of environmental rights and the Fenrad Nigeria development, State Abia.

4. P4Sedi – Partnership for Social and Environmental Development Initiative

5. Center for Justice, Empowerment & Development (C4J)

6. Lively Development Initiative (Vidi)

7. Better Community Life Initiative

8. One love Foundation

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10. Truorganic initiative for the development of social and community

11. Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (Hursdef)

12. Igbo Union (Nzuko ndi igbo)

13. Nchekwa ndi Ogbenye Foundation

14. District initiative for Women Advancement (Niwa)

15. Women in Media Communication Initiative (Wim)

16. Amnesty International Nigeria

17. Boocodep

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