THE Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a Twitter user Chude Franklin Nnamdi with Twitter handle @chude__.
A statement released by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Wednesday, March 22, said Chude was arrested for cyberstalking.
The statement, posted on Twitter, said Chude was arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, on March 18, and is being investigated for cybercrime.
CHUDE NNAMDI IS BEING INVESTIGATED FOR CYBERSTALKING – POLICE
The Nigeria Police hereby confirms that one Mr. Chude Franklin Nnamdi with Twitter handle ‘@chude__’ was arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State on the 18th of March, 2023, and … pic.twitter.com/z0yofEJQxr
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) March 22, 2023
“He is being investigated by the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) Abuja for cyberstalking, pursuant to a complaint received via a petition about his activities on social media which contravenes the provision of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and other criminal laws.
“Furthermore, a prima facie case has been established against him while the case file has been forwarded to the Force Legal Department for further action,” the NPF stated.
The Police urged members of the public to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the law and be aware of the penalties for violating them, especially cybercrime laws with the new trends in the digital media space.
Chude’s arrest has been generating concern on social media, with many Nigerians calling for his immediate release.
In his reaction, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, condemned the development and stated that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and ingredient for the development of a good society.
“While I appreciate that the freedoms must be exercised in line with the rule of law, arresting Nigerians for tweeting on their leaders and those in authority decimates the opportunity for inclusive governance and accountability, which are highly needed in a developing country like Nigeria.
“For instance, citizens will have their different thoughts on us, and we have the right to reply. Arbitrary use of our office or in an unrestrained way will do no one any good, including those in authority,” Obi said.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, had in a statement posted on his official Twitter handle on Sunday, March 19, titled ‘RE: Arrest Of Mr Chude By The Police’, said the State Commissioner of Police confirmed to him that Chude was arrested on Saturday, March, 18 in Anambra by the Cyber Crime Unit of Interpol and taken to Abuja.
He added that the Anambra State Government has no information about the specific allegations or basis for his arrest.
A reporter with the ICIR
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