A Nigerian journalist, Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, has been arrested moments after he granted a Television Interview, disclosing that he was paid ₦2.5 million by Sandra Duru, aka “Prof Mgbeke,” to produce defamatory content against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Members of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have demanded that the Nigeria Police Force should immediately release Akuwudike and uphold due process.
In a statement signed by 22 CSOs, the group said: “We, the undersigned advocates for press freedom, rule of law, and democratic accountability, strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest and indefinite detention of journalist and media activist Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, reportedly acting under the direct orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.”
According to the group, Akuwudike was arrested at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Thursday in Owerri, Imo State, following his viral interview on the Adeola Fayehun YouTube channel.
In the interview, he made serious allegations, including that he was paid ₦2.5 million by Sandra Duru, aka “Prof Mgbeke,” to produce defamatory content against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akuwudike further alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was the political and financial sponsor behind this smear campaign.
The group added: His arrest, occurring in the dead of night and without any clear charge or recourse to legal counsel, raises deep concerns about political interference, suppression of press freedom, and the violation of constitutional rights guaranteed under Sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“We are particularly alarmed by the pattern of intimidation and criminalisation of journalists and whistleblowers who dare to expose high-level corruption and political misconduct. The fact that this arrest follows closely on the heels of explosive revelations implicating senior government officials lends credence to fears that the police are being used as a tool of political persecution.
“We, therefore, issue the following urgent demands: immediate and unconditional release of Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, or a prompt arraignment before a competent court of law if any legitimate charges exist.
“Respect for due process rights, including access to legal representation and family, and a public explanation from the Nigeria Police Force regarding the basis for his arrest.
“A transparent and independent investigation into the claims made by Akuwudike concerning the alleged smear campaign and the involvement of high-ranking officials, and an end to the weaponisation of law enforcement against journalists and activists who speak truth to power.
“We remind the Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the Inspector-General that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy. The rule of law must supersede political expediency. Intimidating voices of dissent or silencing whistleblowers undermines not only public trust but also the very foundations of our democratic institutions.
“We urge all civil society actors, media organisations, and the international community to remain vigilant and speak out in defence of fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.”
Members of the group are Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Lagos, Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding -Kaduna, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development FENRAD Nigeria, Abia State, P4sedi – Partnership For Social And Environmental Development Initiative, Centre for Justice, Empowerment & Development (C4J), Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Better Community Life Initiative, One Love Foundation, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), TruORGANIC Initiative for Social & Communities Development, Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (HURSDEF), Igbo Union( Nzuko ndi Igbo), Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation, Neighbourhood Initiative for Women Advancement (NIWA), Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM), Amnesty International Nigeria, BOOCODEP, Mothers And Marginalised Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre) is endorsing the statement, Serene Society Initiative (Serene), Foundation for Livelihood Advancement, Media Rights Agenda and Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED).
