Online publisher arrested by police over publication against former Gov Obiano’s COS

 By Pamela Eboh Awka

Anambra born, Abuja-based media practitioner was allegedly arrested on Tuesday in Abuja over a publication he published in May against former Governor Willie Obiano’s Chief of Staff, Primus Odili.

 He was said to have been arrested at about 12:43pm at a site where he was before some policemen in plain clothes came and whisked him away.

A family source who spoke on condition of anonymity said Ezenekwe was arrested over an alleged unfavorable story he wrote about a former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Willie Obiano, Mr. Primus Odili.

While saying that the policemen initially refused to explain the reasons behind his arrest, the source said, “They only told him that there was a petition against him without telling him who or where the petition came from.

“They took him to Police Headquarters at Louis Edet House, Area II, Abuja; and it was there they disclosed to him that the petition was from Anambra and from Primus Odili (former Chief of Staff to Obiano) for a libelous publication, citing a story he (Ezenekwe) wrote and published on 13th May, this year.”

According to the source, the online publisher was later transferred to Maitama Police Station, Abuja.

He said that Obiano’s former aide believed that it was his enemies in the Anambra Government House that told Ezenekwe to write the story, hence he insisted on the mention of the names of the people behind the story.

He added, “They (police) said they know the people who told him to write the story, but they want him to mention their names by himself; and insisted that they would continue to detain him until he mentions the names/source.”

“Before his arrest, Ezenekwe was seriously sick . He has not taken his medication since yesterday (Tuesday). We call call for the urgent intervention by relevant authorities to secure his release from the police cell, as he is being unjustly tormented, intimidated and tortured.”