Nigerian journalist govt. detained on BH suspicion freed

Ahmed Salkida, a Nigerian journalist declared wanted by the Nigerian Army weeks ago and arrested on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport by the Department of State Security (DSS), has been released.

A security sources confirmed the release, adding that the UAE-based Nigerian journalist was very cooperative throughout the time he was in the detention custody of the DSS.

The sources said Salkida had informed the DSS in advance that he planned to return to Nigeria after the Nigerian Army declared him wanted.

The military had declared the journalist wanted on suspicion that he is in touch some leaders of the Islamist terror group, Boko Haram, especially in connection with the group’s recent release of a video showing some secondary school girls abducted in April 2014.

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Salikda, however, said he did not know the whereabouts of Boko Haram leaders or Chibok girls. However, he admitted to receiving two video clips from Boko Haram before they were released to the public.

According to him, Boko Haram has confidence in his objectivity as an investigative journalist, having previously interviewed Yusuf, the founding leader of Boko Haram.

Salkida, who, alongside Aisha Wakil and Ahmed Bolori, was declared wanted weeks ago, wondered why the government would do that. He has been invoved at some level of negotiation for the release of the girls.