Abia State Police Force Storms ABN TV in Umuahia, Arrests Guest Amid Live Program
A tumultuous incident unfolded on Tuesday as men from the Abia State Police Command reportedly invaded ABN TV, a popular television station in Umuahia.
The Director of ABN TV/Radio, Ifeanyi Okali, revealed the details of the episode in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
Police Action During Live Program
According to Okali, the police officers forcibly arrested a guest, Udensi Donald, during a live program titled “Youth Rendezvous.”
The arrest occurred around 2:40 pm on January 16, 2023, and was carried out despite the program being on air.
The police asserted that a senior brother of the guest, Uche Onwuka Udensi, had submitted a petition against him regarding a family matter.
Station Director Demands Apology
In response to the invasion, Okali highlighted that some items belonging to the station suffered damage, prompting him to demand an apology from the Abia State Police Command. He expressed concern over the unwarranted disruption and emphasized that the police officers exhibited overzealousness in contravention of established rules of engagement.
Violation of Press Freedom and Human Rights
Characterizing the incident as a provocation against press freedom and human rights, Okali underscored the disregard for the enhanced police-civil relations advocated by Commissioner of Police, CP Kene Onwuemeile.
Despite the station staff’s pleas to allow the program to conclude before arresting the guest, the police officers insisted on taking him into custody, further complicating the situation.
The video of the incident, shared by ABN TV, adds a visual dimension to the reported invasion, raising concerns about the potential impact on press freedom and the relationship between the media and law enforcement in Abia State.
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