On Tuesday, January 16, police entered the ABN TV station in Umuahia, Abia state’s capital, and forcibly arrested a guest, Mr. Udensi Donald, during a live broadcast of “Youth Rendezvous,” hosted by Grace Onyekachi.
Confirming the occurrence, Ifeanyi Okali, Director of ABN TV/Radio, described it as a violation of press freedom and human rights. He claimed that during the attack, various artefacts from the station were damaged.
He said; “We are worried by the invasion of our broadcast station in Umuahia by officers of the Nigerian Police, Umuahia Area Command in Abia State.
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“At about 2:40 pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2023, the policemen invaded our station during a live programme to arrest our guest, one Mr. Udensi Donald during a programme, Youth Rendezvous.
“The police claimed a senior brother of the guest, one Mr Uche Onwuka Udensi had written a petition against him over a family matter.
“Despite repeated pleas by our staff to the officers to allow the programme to come to an end before the guest could be arrested, they insisted on whisking him away while the live programme was on.
“We find this very provocative and indeed an act of overzealousness by the officers who obviously acted in clear contravention of the rule of engagement.
“It clearly also negates the enhanced police-civil relations which the Commissioner of Police, CP Kene Onwuemeile, has consistently campaigned for.”
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A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
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