I-CSPJ Condemns Detention of Global Upfront Medium’s Publisher, Demands Immediate Release

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The International Press Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ) has condemned the arrest and detention of Global Upfront Medium’s publisher, Mr. Madu Onuorah, by the police.

The Centre’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, made public the stand of the Centre, calling on the Inspector General of Police to ensure his safe and unconditional release, noting that the arrest and harassment of journalists are on the increase, which is unacceptable.

According to Akinjiyan, in a press statement issued yesterday, Mr. Onuorah was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at his residence in Lugbe, FCT Abuja.

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 Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, stated, “The media is once again 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, not use the Police to unlawfully infringe his fundamental rights,” Arogundade further said.

I-CSPJ insists that the Police must ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Onuorah or charge him 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.