Mr. Madu Onuorah, the chief editor of Globalupfront Newspaper who was kidnapped by police operatives in Abuja on Wednesday, have been released.
NewsBand reported that Onuorah was picked up in the presence of his wife and children without showing warrant for his arrest, nor disclose his offence.
The officers who conducted the operation in a commando form, confiscated Onuorah’s phones, in an attempt to prevent him from reaching out to his friends, including family members.
Also, he was stopped from contacting his lawyer before being whisked away to Lugbe police station by the stern looking officers.
However, the management of Globalupfront Newspaper while confirming his release in a statement on Saturday said Onuorah was released at about 11am today.
According to the statement, he was released on bail by the obstinate and unwilling Enugu State Police Command after wide condemnations from both local and international organizations.
The statement reads, “Our Publisher and Editor-in-chief, Mr Madu Onuorah who was abducted by men of the Ebonyi State Police Command on Wednesday, 22/5/2024 returned home today at about 11am.
“He rejoined his wife and children who were relieved to see him back after the police humiliation and embarrassment of Wednesday.
“Mr Onuorah was released late Thursday, 23/5/2024, night by Enugu State Police who were the ones that requested the Ebonyi Police to abduct him for them.
“He was released on bail by the obstinate and unwilling Enugu State Police Command after an unbearable local and international outcry.
“The Management of Globalupfront Newspapers after briefing from Mr Onuorah and due consultation with our lawyers, will decide the next line of action.
“Meanwhile, Mr Onuorah and the Management of Globalupfront Newspapers deeply appreciate the spontaneous and overwhelming solidarity shown in this condemnable abduction by the Journalism & Media family, friends and well wishers, human rights & civil society groups as well as the international community against the attempt by the Enugu State Police Command to usurp the constitutional duty of the law courts by attempting to adjudicate on a case of alleged defamation.”