In a concerning development for Nigerian journalism, Mr. Madu Onuorah, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Globalupfront Newspaper (Online), was apprehended by the Nigerian Police Force around 6 pm on Wednesday.
Approximately ten heavily armed policemen arrived at his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses, and took him into custody in the presence of his wife and children. Despite their inquiries, the police provided no explanation for his arrest.
During the arrest, Mr. Onuorah’s phones were confiscated, leaving him completely cut off from communication with his family and others. He was denied contact with his lawyer or relatives before being transported to the Lugbe police station by stern-looking officers.
To hinder any efforts for attention or bail, the arresting officers, not affiliated with the Lugbe Police Station, left no contact information, making it difficult for friends and family to reach them.
In response to the arrest, Globalupfront Newspapers’ management demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Onuorah. They emphasized that he has a history of working within the bounds of the law, having held positions at reputable newspapers such as former Abuja Bureau Chief of The Guardian Newspaper and former Managing Director of The AUTHORITY Newspaper.
“Anybody who has any issue against Mr. Onuorah should approach the law court and not turn the Nigerian Police into a Gestapo outfit that bullies a man in the presence of his wife and children,” the newspapers said in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
“That any second Mr. Onuorah spends in police custody constitutes a serious infringement against his fundamental rights and a continuation of the assault on freedom of expression that has become frequent occurrence in Nigeria recently,” the paper noted.
