The police commissioner in Abia, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has apologised to the online Abia Breaking News (ABN) television and radio studio in Umuahia after cops invaded the station and arrested a guest.

Police spokeswoman Maureen Chinaka, in a statement to journalists, said that Mr Kenechukwu apologised when he visited the studio on Thursday.

The cops from Umuahia area command had invaded the studio on Tuesday to carry out an arrest of one Mr Donald Udensi, who was a guest during a live programme.

The ABN director, Ifeanyi Okali, alleged that the police personnel damaged many of its broadcast equipment, including laptops, cameras and microphones, during the raid.

However, the command stated that the police chief conducted an on-the-spot assessment during the visit and had discussions with the director.

According to the statement, the police commissioner apologised for the officers’ conduct and the matter was resolved amicably.

“Preliminary investigations into the incident indicate that the police officers who made the arrest conducted themselves unprofessionally. 

“This is because, while there is no law prohibiting a police officer from making an arrest in a studio, the facts surrounding the particular case being investigated by the police officers do not warrant such actions.

“However, the officers defaulted, and their orderly room trial commences today (Thursday). If found guilty, they will be disciplined accordingly,” said the Abia police command.

(NAN)