Mr. Chude Nnamdi, an ardent supporter of the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has narrated his ordeal in the hands of the Nigerian security agents.
AbaCityBlog reports that Chude was arrested on 18th March, Governorship election day in Onitsha, Anambra State. Police Public Relations Officer, CSP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI – also confirmed that Chude was arrested in Onitsha, and he’s being Investigated for cyberstalking.
“The Nigeria Police hereby confirms that one Mr. Chude Franklin Nnamdi with Twitter handle ‘@chude__’ was arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State on the 18th of March, 2023, and he is being investigated by the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) Abuja, for cyberstalking, pursuant to a complaint received via a petition, about his activities on social media which contravenes the provision of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and other criminal laws.” – the police said in a statement.
However, many Nigerians condemned the police action by arresting Chude for only lending his voice against bad governance.
Notable Nigerians like, Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi; Former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili, former Presidential Candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and host of others called for Chude’s release.
Shortly after his release yesterday, Chude took to social media to apologize to the police and Anambra State. In the video sighted by AbaCityBlog, many described it as forced apology.
However, in a lengthy tweets, Chude narrated his ordeal in the hands of the security agents, noting that he was treated like a common criminal only for condemning bad governance.
He tweets:
Dear Nigerians ,
I thank you all for your love, kindness and solidarity while I was held in detention. I am most humbled and honoured for your relentless demand for my release. Special thanks to @PeterObi, @SamAmadi, @valentineozigbo, @obyezeks, @FrankNwekeII
Big thanks to great personalities who made concerted efforts to get me released. @AishaYesufu @YeleSowore @YarKafanchan @YunusaTanko. The list is too long. I appreciate you all. I am thankful to @ruffydfire @DavidHundeyin .
It is important to state clearly that the voices of young people cannot be silenced. We will continue to demand for a better deal in our country. We will contain to clamour for good governance and strong institutions.
For the records, my experience from arrest to detention was unpalatable, unpleasant and unjust. I was hounded into the boot of waiting car with cuffs. I was accused by the security agents in Anambra of planning to stage a protest and overthrow the government.
I was accused of calling out the police. Apparently, they didn’t understand that I was just adding my voice like every other young person out there who are desirous of a better society.
On getting to Awkuzu Sars from my point of arrest, I was manhandled, ruffled and treated like a common criminal. Shout out to the OC Awkuzu Sars who cautioned them to stop the act. He’s a fine officer.
The Cybercrime unit of Interpol were just too good. They represent the finest versions of the Nigerian Police. I hope other units of the Nigerian Police can emulate them. They also parade the smartest and most brilliant sets of the Nigerian police.
Going forward, it is important to state that the Nigerian Police needs to be insulated from political interference. As critical enablers of societal progress and development, the institution is in need of Independence from the machinations of political actors.
