Rita Odafe
Chinonso Ubah
Chinonso Ubah, a radio host known as Nonsonkwa, is in custody following his arrest by the police in Imo State. This comes amid accusations of cyberstalking, defamation, and spreading inflammatory messages.
Henry Okoye, the Public Relations Officer for the police, confirmed that Ubah was taken into custody on October 20, 2024. This action was prompted by a formal complaint regarding videos that purportedly showcased Ubah making defamatory remarks and disseminating falsehoods about a citizen.
The complainant alleged that Ubah’s comments contributed to the September 30 destruction of the National Open University (NOUN) Study Center in Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA, an incident linked to civil unrest in the area.
Okoye clarified that Ubah’s situation is an arrest and emphasized that he has not been abducted, as some initial reports suggested. Ubah is being held at the police headquarters and will face legal proceedings after a thorough investigation is conducted.
“The Command remains dedicated to enforcing the law and ensuring peace in the state, highlighting that all individuals involved in the burning of the NOUN study center will face justice,” he said.
Ubah’s detention has sparked various reactions among the public, particularly among local media professionals, given the nature of his arrest.
Media professional Chidi Nkwopara commented that prosecuting Ubah while failing to hold accountable the source of the information he shared suggests a biased application of justice.
Another commentator, activist and journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, criticized the police for their handling of the situation, claiming it violated principles of due process. He indicated that the delay in information about Ubah’s arrest fueled speculation about potential abduction.
Okeoma urged the police to honor the presenter’s legal rights and ensure he is not unjustly detained beyond what is permissible by law.
