Timothy Elombah, editor of Elombah.com, an online platform, has been released from police custody —25 days after his arrest.
The Elombahs confirmed the release in a statement on Friday.
Timothy and his brother Daniel Elombah, publisher of the online platform, were on January 1, arrested from their Anambra residence.
They were arrested alongside six other adult males from the family.
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They were reportedly arrested on the orders of Ibrahim Idris, inspector general of police (IGP), for allegedly publishing an article which he found “offensive” and “defamatory.”
They have however denied knowledge of the said article.
The statement confirming the editor’s release said the police have still not disclosed the reason for the arrest.
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“The management and staff of Elombah.com, on Thursday thanked friends and family, the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN), Lawyers, Journalists, local and international Non governmental organisations, NGOs , National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) , the British government, and numerous individuals for their steadfastness and unwavering support during the unlawful detention of Tim Elombah, the editor of Elombah. Com.,” the statement read.
“Tim and his brothers were arrested in the wee hours of January 1, 2018, by men and officers of the special anti-robbery squad, SARS, and the Special Tactical Squad, STS, of the Nigeria police.
“The Publishers of the online newspaper in a statement issued after the release of Tim Elombah via an order of an FCT Abuja high court said, although the Police are yet to state under what charges the Elombah brothers were arrested and detained, they trust the judiciary will address whatever injustices suffered by the innocent citizens.
“We also hope that the publisher, Daniel Elombah will be able to travel back to his base in the United Kingdom immediately to rejoin his family.
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“Freedom of speech and expression is an inalienable right of every person and Nigerians should stand firm against any flagrant abuse of these fundamental rights without excuses.”
On Tuesday, the house of representatives commenced investigation into the detention of the Elombahs.
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