Nigerian Monarch Arrested Over WhatsApp Comment

….The Imo State Police Command has arrested the traditional ruler of Umucheke in Umuobom in the Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Ekene Obinali.

The monarch was arrested on Wednesday by the operatives of the Anti- kidnapping Unit of the state police command for allegedly sharing on a WhatsApp platform a write-up that was said to be very critical of the state governor, Hope Uzodimma.

Recall that the embattled traditional ruler had on March 20 reposted the write-up on a WhatsApp group platform called Ideato Voice.

….The Administrator of the platform, Vitus Ezenwa confirmed that the monarch was arrested and detained by the police on Wednesday.

Ezenwa said that he was first arrested by the police and was granted bail after the police apprehended the traditional ruler.

He told our correspondent that the media content of which the monarch is being held in police custody had the headline”‘Gov Hope Uzodimma in a fresh scandal.”

…….The publisher said that the media content talks about the role of late Ahmed Gulak during 2018 All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Imo State.

He said: ”My name is Nze Dr Vitus Ezenwa. I am the publisher of Ideato Voice newspapers. Quote me if necessary.

“I am the witness to this. I was arrested by the police over the post because I am the administrator of the platform where it was made, Ideato Voice platform. I was detained until the royal father was arrested and currently detained.

….“The monarch is currently at Anti Kidnapping Unit. Tiger Base. The post was made on March 20. The Police granted me bail after the traditional ruler was arrested. I was asked to be reporting at the police everyday till further notice.”

The Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye confirmed the arrest of the monarch.

…….He said that the matter was under investigation by the Police in the State.