Chude Nnamdi, social media influencer, released after six days in police custody

Chude Nnamdi, the social media influencer arrested over alleged cyberstalking, has been released from police custody.

On March 18, Chude was arrested by the police in Anambra state and taken to Abuja, the country’s capital.

His arrest elicited criticism on social media with some Twitter users claiming he was apprehended over an alleged petition written by Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra governor.

However, Soludo denied involvement in the matter, saying the state government gave no such directive.

On Tuesday, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), called for the release of the influencer.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday confirmed that Chude was arrested for alleged cyberstalking.

‘MY EXPERIENCE WAS UNPLEASANT’

Hours after he was set free on Friday, Chude, in a series of tweets, thanked those who demanded his release from police custody.

The social media influencer said he was accused of “calling out” the police and planning to stage a protest to overthrow the government.

“For the records, my experience, from arrest to detention, was unpalatable, unpleasant and unjust. I was hounded into the boot of a waiting car with cuffs. I was accused by the security agents in Anambra of planning to stage a protest and overthrow the government,” he wrote.

“I was accused of calling out the police. Apparently, they didn’t understand that I was just adding my voice like every other young person out there who are desirous of a better society.

“On getting to Awkuzu Sars from my point of arrest, I was manhandled, ruffled and treated like a common criminal. Shout out to the OC Awkuzu Sars who cautioned them to stop the act. He’s a fine officer.

“The cybercrime unit of Interpol were just too good. They represent the finest versions of the Nigerian police. I hope other units of the Nigerian police can emulate them. They also parade the smartest and most brilliant sets of the Nigerian police.

“Going forward, it is important to state that the Nigerian police needs to be insulated from political interference. As critical enablers of societal progress and development, the institution is in need of independence from the machinations of political actors.”

CHUDE APOLOGISES TO EMEKA OFFOR

In a video posted on his Twitter page, the social media influencer apologised to Emeka Offor, the chairperson of Chrome Group, an oil and gas firm.

“I want to apologise to Sir Emeka Offor over the tweet I made,” Chude said.

“As at the time I made the tweet, it was unverified. It was not to malign him in any way.”

However, the video was deleted minutes after he published it on his Twitter account.

Chude had alleged that Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, asked Offor to beg Obi to accept the results of the February 25 presidential election.