A journalist from Ebonyi State files a complaint with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding an incident of unjust arrest and detention.
Comrade Ben Nworie, the Vice Chairman of the Ebonyi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), filed a complaint with the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. He raised concerns regarding an incident on October 19, 2023, in Abakaliki when a group of individuals, believed to be associated with the State Police Command’s Crack Squad, reportedly caused distress, made an unwarranted arrest, harassed, and detained him.
Nworie explained that at approximately 7:30 pm, this group allegedly arrived at an entertainment venue where he was awaiting the commencement of a dinner organized by the Ebonyi State Government to honor members of the State House of Assembly. They proceeded to detain everyone present.
In a formal complaint dated October 20, 2023, and sent to the National President of NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, Nworie, who serves as the State Correspondent for Thisday Newspaper, recounted being held in police custody for an extended period of more than 20 hours.
He stated, “Shortly after my visit to the establishment, members of the Crack Squad noticed our group, approached us, confiscated our mobile phones, and compelled me and my three companions to enter their two Hilux vans, taking us to the Ebonyi Police Command headquarters. Despite our attempts to identify ourselves and clarify our situation, our appeals fell on deaf ears.”