The detention of Imo radio broadcaster, Chinonso Uba (Nonsokwa) in the state correctional service centre has continued to generate reactions mostly from human rights activists.
In a press statement made available to journalists in Owerri, a human rights activist, Comrade Donald Nwaneri called on the State Government to intervene in the case of the embattled broadcaster and bring it to an end.
The activist stated that the continued detention of the radio presenter does not show harmonious relationship between the government and the media.
He frowned at the manner the radio presenter was arrested by the Nigeria Police, noting that it is not encouraging in the present democratic setting.
The activist faulted the police for arresting Nonsokwa without officially inviting him, pointing out that the allegations levelled against him, which warranted his arrest, originated from faceless persons.
“The recent unlawful mode of arrest of Nonsokwa quickly brings to mind similar abductions as in the case of one Eziefula Opara in March 2022 as well as several others, especially in the dark days of the defunct SARS,” he stated.
Nwaneri appealed to the State Government to deem it imperative for the release of the radio presenter and other Imo citizens in police custody for no known offences.
The convener of a human rights association, under the aegis of Activists For Cognitive Justice and Accountability (ACJA) Comrade Paul Ikechuchukwu Njoku, also added his voice in calling for Nonsokwa’s release.
Njoku made the call while speaking with journalists in Owerri recently.
He maintained that releasing Nonsokwa will go a long way in cementing the relationship between the press and the government.
The ACJA convener said that media professionals must have the freedom of informing and educating the society within the ambit of the law.
Press freedom: Activists call for Imo broadcaster, Nonsokwa’s release
