Why we arrested Publisher’s brother for allegedly defaming Fashola

The police have revealed why they arrested the brother of a publisher who accused former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, of writing the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

The police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that Chike Ibezim was arrested for alleged malicious publication, cyberbullying, and other related offences.

Adejobi said that Chike’s arrest was based on a court order. He said that Chike is in lawful custody and is assisting the police in their investigation.

The police said that they received a petition from Fashola, who accused Reportera, a news platform owned by Chike’s brother, Nnamdi Ibezim, of publishing a false and defamatory report that he was drafting the PEPT verdict.

The police said that their investigation revealed that the report was false and that it was intended to cause harm to Fashola’s reputation.

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Adejobi said that the police are committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any form of cybercrime or cyberbullying.

Ibezim has denied the allegations against him and his brother. He said that Reportera’s report was based on credible information and that he is ready to defend himself in court.

The arrest of Chike has been condemned by some human rights groups and activists. They have called for his release, saying that he is being held for exercising his right to free speech.

The case is still under investigation and it is unclear what charges Chike will face. However, his arrest has raised concerns about the freedom of the press in Nigeria.