*Says he was manhandled at Awkuzu SARS office and advises police to insulate themselves from politics
Chude Nnamdi, popular social media influencer and supporter of the Labour Party and Peter Obi who was arrested by the interpol in Anambra State during the March 18 Governorship and House of Assembly elections says he was accused of “calling out” the Police and planning to stage a protest to overthrow the federal government.
Nnamdi was arrested over alleged cyberstalking on Saturday March 18, 2023 by the Police in Anambra State and regained his freedom after about seven days.
His arrest had elicited criticisms on social media with some Twitter users alleging he was apprehended over a petition written by Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State Governor.
He was transferred to Abuja and subsequently detained for days by the Police based on a cybercrime petition filed against him.
However, Chude Nnamdi took to Twitter to share his experience after regaining freedom and thanked all those that facilitated his release including the Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, and his African Action Congress (AAC) counterpart, Omoyele Sowore.
He also thanked the former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi; former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili; former Minister, Frank Nweke II; a chieftain of Labour Party, Valentine Ozigbo; and other Nigerians for their solidarity.
He wrote; “Dear Nigerians, I thank you all for your love, kindness and solidarity while I was held in detention. I am most humbled and honoured for your relentless demand for my release. Special thanks to @PeterObi, @SamAmadi, @valentineozigbo, @obyezeks, @FrankNwekeII
“Big thanks to great personalities who made concerted efforts to get me released. @AishaYesufu @YeleSowore @YarKafanchan @YunusaTanko. The list is too long. I appreciate you all.
“I am thankful to @ruffydfire @DavidHundeyin. It is important to state clearly that the voices of young people cannot be silenced. We will continue to demand for a better deal in our country. We will contain to clamour for good governance and strong institutions.
“For the records, my experience from arrest to detention was unpalatable, unpleasant and unjust. I was hounded into the boot of waiting car with cuffs. I was accused by the security agents in Anambra of planning to stage a protest and overthrow the government.
“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 was 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.”
