Obi demands release of social media influencer arrested for alleged cybercrime

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has called for the release of Nnamdi Chude, a social media influencer who was arrested in Anambra state.

Chude was said to have been arrested by the police in Anambra and allegedly taken to the federal capital territory (FCT).

Some social media users had alleged that he was arrested based on a petition written by Charles Soludo, Anambra governor.

Soludo has, however, denied involvement, saying the state government gave no such directive.

Reacting to the situation in a statement on Tuesday, Obi said he was informed that Chude was apprehended because “he tweeted against the people in government”.

Obi called on “all concerned to please treat the issue compassionately to release the young man in question”.

“Yesterday my attention was drawn to the arrest of a social media influencer, Mr. Nnamdi Chude. In my usual inquiry, I wanted to know the offense of the young man only to be told that it was because he tweeted against the people in government,” he said.

“I believe people in government know very well that there is the right to freedom of expression for every individual in our country, And they should also not be oblivious to the fact that they as public servants are bound by rule of law, and the symbol of rule of law is that rules must always be respected for the sake of our society.

“I am therefore appealing to all concerned to please treat the issue compassionately to release the young man in question.

“It’s also necessary for me to admonish that people should know that when you occupy public office, there are several consequences of occupying that office. People will have their thoughts on you. You have the right to reply but not for you to use your office arbitrarily or in unrestrained use of authority.”