Human Rights Activist Omoyele Sowore paid a visit to Charles Ihedioha, who has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force for his Facebook post regarding the abduction of a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police’s wife.
In a statement made on his social media handle, Sowore disclosed that he, along with prominent lawyer Deji Adeyanju, visited Charles Ihedioha.
Sowore condemned the police’s actions and called for Ihedioha’s immediate release, arguing that his detention is an abuse of power and a violation of free speech rights.
“This evening, I visited Charles Ihedioha, a Nigerian citizen detained by the Nigeria Police Force in connection with a Facebook post regarding the kidnapping of a former police chief’s wife in Ogun State, accompanied by Barrister Adeyanju Deji.
“I strongly condemn Charles’ prolonged detention. His family is experiencing hardship, particularly his mother, whose hypertension has worsened since his detention. #EgbetokunMustGoNow”
Saharareporters had revealed how the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who is notorious for abuse of office and powers, has ridiculed the parents of Charles.
SaharaReporters learned on Monday that Adejobi also ordered the detention of three police officers who ushered Charles’ parents to his office to plead for leniency.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the officers were held for three days.
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that Charles was arrested on Thursday, January 23, 2025, on the orders of Adejobi, the Force spokesperson.
“Muyiwa Adejobi got him arrested and he’s detained at IRT for mocking the abduction of the retired policeman’s wife and the budget scandal,” a source had told SaharaReporters.
“He was arrested around 3 pm on Thursday, January 23, 2025. They claimed he made a comment on Twitter (X) regarding the kidnap of the retired AIG’s wife.”
Providing an update on Monday, a top source revealed further, “The police PPRO ridiculed the parents of Charles when they were ushered to his office to beg him.
“He even detained three police officers who ushered them into his office for three days.”
It will be recalled that Mrs Odumosu was abducted by four masked men who attacked her, pulled her out of her Lexus SUV, and drove away with her at about 10 pm on January 16.
She was recently rescued from her captors after a gun duel with the criminals in the swampy area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, and the N10 million ransom paid to the kidnappers was recovered.
During the operation, two of the kidnappers were killed while others fled with injuries, leaving behind their weapons, according to the police.
Two other suspects were later arrested by the police.
Adejobi is known for frequently issuing threats to Nigerians and making numerous controversial statements despite serving as the police spokesperson.
In December 2024, he said the police would start clamping down on Nigerians who ‘rain curses’ on government officials and others on social media platforms, describing it as a criminal offence.
“Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not expression of freedom or criticism. And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided,” the power-drunk officer had posted.
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