Nonso Nkwa 


An human rights-activist and journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, on Monday urged the leadership of the Imo State Police Command to respect the constitutional rights of an ace broadcast journalist and human rights defender, Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonso Nkwa.


Nonso Nkwa was arrested on Sunday evening in Owerri, the Imo State capital by some operatives of the police in the state.


A statement by the Police Spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, in Owerri, on Monday, disclosed that Nonso Nkwa was arrested for alleged cyberstalking, character defamation, misinformation and civic unrest, following a petition to the police by  an unnamed person.


Reacting, Okeoma, condemned the way and manner the ace broadcast journalist was arrested, fueling speculation that he was abducted by criminals.


Okeoma also advised the police to ensure that Nonso Nkwa's rights are not violated while in their custody and he shouldn't be held longer than necessary before arraigning him.


Okeoma said" firstly, I condemn the way and manner Chinonso Uba was arrested in Owerri on Sunday. The unprofessional process fuelled speculation that he was kidnapped and people went to town with such misinformation, thereby escalating the security status of the state.


"As a law abiding institution, the police ought to had extended an invitation to him since the media unit of the command says that an unnamed individual wrote a petition against him.


"While it is part of the constitutional responsibilities of the police to arrest and investigate issues and people, I call on the police to respect Nonso Nkwa's constitutional and civic rights while in their custody.


"Nonso Nkwa should be given maximum access to his lawyers, family members and his colleagues. He shouldn't also be held longer than necessary before arraigning him. Doing so will be against his rights and privileges as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


"This will be another win for Nonso Nkwa. He will come out stronger. Journalists can’t be bullied into submission in this state or any other state of the federation. Journalists will continue to speak truth to power. The constitution recognizes journalists as the watchdogs of the society."