Imo Monarch Arrested Over ‘Hate Publication’

Imo Monarch Arrested Over ‘Hate Publication’

The traditional ruler of Umucheke in Umuobom in the Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Ekene Obinali, has been detained for criticising Governor Hope Uzodimma on a Whatsapp platform.

It was gathered the monarch was arrested on Wednesday by the operatives of the Anti- kidnapping unit of the police for allegedly sharing on a WhatsApp platform a write up said to be very critical of the state governor.

It was learnt that the monarch on March 20 reposted the same write-up on a WhatsApp group platform called Ideato Voice.

Confirming the arrest of the monarch, the administrator of the platform, Vitus Ezenwa, informed the monarch was arrested and detained by the police on Wednesday.

Ezenwa said that he was first arrested by the police and granted bail.

He told newsmen that the media content of which the monarch is being held in police custody had the headline ”Gov Hope Uzodimma in a fresh scandal.”

The publisher said that the media content talks about the role of the late Ahmed Gulak during the 2018 All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Imo State.

According to him: ” My name is Nze Dr Vitus Ezenwa. I am the publisher of Ideato Voice newspapers. Quote me if necessary. I am a witness to this. I was arrested by the police over the post because I am the administrator of the platform where it was made, the Ideato Voice platform. I was detained until the royal father was arrested and currently detained.

“He is currently at Anti Kidnapping Unit. Tiger Base. The post was made on March 20. The Police granted me bail after the traditional ruler was arrested. I was asked to be reporting to the police every day till further notice”

Imo Police spokesman Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest of the monarch.

He however added that the matter was being investigated.