‘Release Him Immediately’ — SERAP Kicks As Police Rearrest Chude Nnamdi

• Nnamdi was arrested by the police in Anambra State on March 18.

• The police released him five days later after several calls for his freedom.

• The social media influencer recounted his unpleasant experience while he was in police custody.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the rearrest of a social media influencer, Chude Nnamdi.

Recall that Nnamdi, a supporter of the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was arrested by the police in Anambra State during the March 18 governorship and State Assembly elections.

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He said he was accused of “calling out” the police and planning to stage a protest to overthrow the government.

However, Eko Hot Blog gathered that he was arrested over alleged cyberstalking after businessman Emeka Offor accused the social media influencer of defamation. He regained his freedom about five days later.

On Wednesday, Nnamdi was taken into custody after honouring a police invitation in Abuja in the alleged defamation claim brought by Offor.

In a post on Twitter, SERAP condemned his arrest and called for his immediate and unconditional release.

“We condemn the reported rearrest of social media activist Mr Nnamdi Chude,” the organisation said.

“He was arrested in March under the unlawful provisions of section 24 of the Cybercrime Act. The Buhari administration must immediately and unconditionally release him.”

Nnamdi had narrated his unpleasant experience after his first arrest.

“For the records, my experience from arrest to detention was unpalatable, unpleasant and unjust. I was hounded into the boot of waiting car with cuffs. I was accused by the security agents in Anambra of planning to stage a protest and overthrow the government,” he wrote on Twitter.

“I was accused of calling out the police. Apparently, they didn’t understand that I was just adding my voice like every other young person out there who are desirous of a better society.

“On getting to Awkuzu Sars from my point of arrest, I was manhandled, ruffled and treated like a common criminal. Shout out to the OC Awkuzu Sars who cautioned them to stop the act. He’s a fine officer.

“The Cybercrime unit of Interpol was just too good. They represent the finest versions of the Nigerian Police. I hope other units of the Nigerian Police can emulate them. They also parade the smartest and most brilliant sets of the Nigerian police.

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“Going forward, it is important to state that the Nigerian Police needs to be insulated from political interference. As critical enablers of societal progress and development, the institution is in need of Independence from the machinations of political actors.”

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