ActionAid Nigeria Blasts Police Over Arrest Of Journalist, Madu Onuora, Demands Immediate Release

ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the Nigeria Police Force’s arrest and detention of Mr. Madu Onuorah, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Globalupfront Newspaper (Online), at his Abuja home.

Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, stated on Thursday: “It is deeply troubling that the police, who are entrusted with the duty to protect and uphold the law, are increasingly becoming instruments of intimidation and oppression against the media. This pattern of harassing, arresting, and detaining journalists must stop immediately.

“The Inspector General of Police must be aware that the actions of the policemen are now unbecoming and unacceptable. The sight of ten fully armed policemen storming Mr. Madu Onuorah’s home, arresting him in front of his distraught family, and then denying him access to communication and legal representation is both alarming and unacceptable. Such behaviour is reminiscent of authoritarian regimes and has no place in a democratic society.”

He went on to say: “The ongoing crackdown on the press is an affront to democratic principles and undermines the media’s critical role in holding power accountable.

“ActionAid Nigeria strongly condemns the arrest and demands his immediate release. ActionAid Nigeria urges all civil society organisations, human rights defenders, concerned citizens, and the Human Rights Commission to condemn this act and demand the release of those involved.

“ActionAid Nigeria supports Mr. Onuorah, his family, and the entire Nigerian journalistic community. ActionAid Nigeria demands Mr. Onuorah’s immediate release and that any subsequent actions follow due legal process.

“The IGP should rein in his men and ensure that the Nigeria Police uphold the constitutional rights to free expression, as well as the safety and protection of all journalists and media practitioners.”