Imo based media activist and blogger, Maazi Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State.
The arrest, reportedly executed on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has sparked widespread public concern, with some groups calling for his release.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest are tied to Obinna’s recent interview with international media personality Adeola Fayehun, published on her YouTube channel.
In the interview, Obinna disclosed details of a controversial media assignment he undertook with Sandra Duru, popularly known as “Prof. Mgbeke.”
Obinna alleged that Duru paid him ₦2.5 million to produce video content intended to malign Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
According to him, his involvement was purely professional and initially limited to fulfilling a media production contract.
However, he distanced himself upon discovering inconsistencies in Duru’s narratives during her livestreams.
“I was contracted to produce video content,” Obinna explained during the interview.
“But after observing some troubling statements made during her live broadcasts, I became deeply uncomfortable. I could not, in good conscience, continue to be a part of what was clearly a campaign of misinformation.” he said.
Describing Duru’s claims against Senator Natasha as “fabricated lies” and “falsehoods,” he asserted that they lacked any factual basis.
Group Demand Release Of Blogger.
The arrest of Mr Akwudike has raised alarm among press freedom advocates and civil society organizations.
One of such group, Cente For Justice and Good Governance has called for the immediate release of the blogger.
In a statement in Owerri and signed by its President, Uche Ibe, the group said Mr. Akwudike’s arrest is a clear attempt to intimidate journalists and bloggers to suppress critical voices exposing abuse of power.
“This is a direct affront to press freedom and a dangerous precedent for whistleblowers. Bloggers or journalists should not be penalized for speaking the truth or exposing misconduct.We call for the immediate release of Mr Akwudike.
“There is urgent need for transparency, whistleblower protection, and respect for press freedom in Nigeria” the group stated..
THE VIDEO INTERVIEW OF MR AKWUDIKE ON YOU TUBE WITH ADEOLA FAYEHUN
