SSS ARRESTS PUBLISHER OF ELENDUREPORTS.COM

The publisher of one of Nigeria’s international internet based news outlet, Elendureports.com, Mr. Jonathan Elendu was on Saturday picked up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja shortly after arriving from the United States of America.

Elendu, arrested at about 8:00pm local time was immediately driven to the headquarters of the State Security Service, SSS in Aso Drive within the precinct of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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The high profile arrest is seen as part of the growing intolerance of the no-holds-bared criticisms and reports by journalists, home and abroad on the need for transparent democratic governance in the country.

Elendu seized the opportunity of the little time he had to alert the world to speak with pointblanknews.com while been driven to the office of the SSS: “I have just been arrested by the SSS. They have not told me what I did and they are taking me to the SSS headquarters. The leader of the SSS team only told me they are acting on orders from above.”

The Elendureports.com publisher added that: “from all indication, it appears I would be made to pass the night in their detention.”

It would be recalled that shortly after the return of President Yar’Adua from his 17 days medical trip abroad, he ordered the investigation of Pointblanknews.com and Saharareporters.com over series of exclusive reports written by the two partnering media houses about his hidden health situation.

President Yar’Adua was said to have directed the Director General of State Security Service, DG, SSS, Mr. Afakriya Gadzama, to investigate the two media houses. Mr. Gadzama in turn set up a high-powered panel headed by his Director of Operations to immediately carry out the Presidential directive.

The directives was said to have also included all online media organizations and a standing instructions for the arrest of any of their stake holders sited anywhere within Nigeria.