Date Published: 02/09/10

Illegal arrest of Scroll Magazine Reporter By Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese

Kinsomebody Egbuchu, our correspondent in Aba has been in police detention for seven days. He is being detained in Zone 9, Umuahia, Abia State. He was arrested by the police on the orders of Catholic Bishop, Vincent Ezeonyia. His mobile phones and laptop had been seized by the police, who rendered Egbuchu incommunicado.

It is important to note here that no charge was brought against him. This unlawful detention breaches Egbuchu’s fundamental human rights. We therefore call on the police authorities in Zone 9 to release him immediately.

We expect that Bishop Ezeonyia would tow the path of honour by proceeding to court if he feels defamed over the story titled “Bishop in Kidnapping and Murder Scandal” published February 23, last year.

Janet Mba-Afolabi

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief