31st March, 2023
A traditional ruler in Imo State, Eze Ekene Obinali, has been arrested and detained by the police in the state for allegedly publishing an article critical of Governor Hope Uzodimma on a Whatsapp platform.
Obinali, who is the traditional ruler of Umucheke in Umuobom in the Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State was was arrested on Wednesday by the operatives of the Anti- kidnapping unit of the police, according to The Nation newspaper.
He was allegedly arrested for sharing a write up critical of Governor Uzodimma on a WhatsApp group platform called Ideato Voice on 20 March.
The administrator of the platform, Vitus Ezenwa, confirmed the arrest of the monarch.
According to him, Eze Obinali was arrested over a publication titled: ”‘Gov Hope Uzodimma in a fresh scandal,” which was about alleged roles of of late Ahmed Gulak in the 2018 All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Imo State.
Ezenwa said he was also arrested as by the police over the post as the administrator of the WhatsApp platform where the alleged offensive article was published.
He said he was detained until Eze Obinali was arrested.
“He is currently at Anti Kidnapping Unit. Tiger Base. The post was made on March 20. The Police granted me bail after the traditional ruler was arrested. I was asked to be reporting to the police every day till further notice,” Ezenwa said.
The Public Relations Officer of Imo Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest of Eze Obinali.
According to him, the matter was being investigated.