I-CSPJ calls for immediate release of detained publisher

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

The International Press Centre for the safety and protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ) has condemned the arrest and detention of the Editor in chief of an online medium, Global upfront, Mr. Madu Onuorah by the police.
Press Freedom Officer of the Centre, Melody Akinjiyan who made public the stand of the Centre, called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure his safe and unconditional release, noting that the arrest and harassment of journalists is on the increase by the day describing it as unacceptable.
Akinjiyan, in a press statement issued yesterday, said Mr.Onuorah 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.
The statement added that 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.
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.”
I-CSPJ insists that the Police must ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Onuorah or charge to court as enshrined in the country’s constitution
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.