The police command in Enugu says an Abuja-based online publisher, Madu Onuorah, was arrested over alleged defamatory publication against a US-based reverend sister.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Thursday.

“The Enugu state police command is in receipt of several publications alleging the abduction of an Abuja-based online news publisher, one Madu Onuorah.

“The command wishes to state that, contrary to the allegations, he was duly arrested in Abuja with the assistance of police operatives from Ebonyi State Police Command and the aid of intelligence, after efforts made to formally invite him failed,” the police statement said.

It explained that Mr Onuorah’s arrest followed the receipt of a written petition to the commissioner of police in Enugu state command against the journalist over the alleged defamatory publication.

The command said police commissioner Kanayo Uzuegbu had ordered the office handling the case to investigate and ensure that justice prevails professionally.

“The commissioner called on the press family, particularly the leadership and members of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and associates of the suspect, to exercise patience.

“He also assured that the needful will be done in the case,” the statement added. 

(NAN)