ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the arrest and detention by the Nigeria Police Force the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Globalupfront Newspaper (Online), Mr. Madu Onuorah in his residence in Abuja.
A statement on Thursday by the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu read: “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 cease immediately.
“The Inspector General of Police must know now that the actions of the Police men are now unbecoming and unacceptable. The sight of ten fully armed policemen storming Mr. Madu Onuorah’s residence, arresting him in the presence of his distraught family, and subsequently denying him access to communication and legal representation is both alarming and unacceptable. Such actions are reminiscent of authoritarian regimes and have no place in a democratic society.”
He added that: “The continuous crackdown on the press is an affront to the principles of democracy and undermines the critical role of the media in holding power to account.
“ActionAid Nigeria condemns this arrest, and demand for his immediate release. ActionAid Nigeria calls on all CSOs, human rights defenders, concerned citizens and the Human Rights Commission to condemn this act and demand for the release.
“ActionAid Nigeria also stands in solidarity with Mr. Onuorah, his family, and the entire journalistic community in Nigeria. ActionAid Nigeria demands the immediate release of Mr. Onuorah and insist that any further actions follow due legal process.
“The IGP should rein in his men and ensure the Nigeria Police uphold the constitutional rights of freedom of expression and ensure the safety and protection of all journalists and media practitioners.”
