The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to release it’s detained Director of Media and Publicity and Whistleblower, Mazi Obinna Akuwudike.
According to OYC, the whistleblower has been detained for over 15 days by the Cybercrime Department of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, following allegations linked to controversial content circulation.
In a statement signed by it National President, Comrade Igboayaka O.Igboayaka, the detention stemmed from a complaint by Ms. Sandra Duru, a public figure.
The disputed materials allegedly involve Ms. Duru, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Uduaghan.
“Mazi Akuwudike is a dedicated member of the Ohanaeze Youth Council and a respected social media influencer. His prolonged detention without trial is not only unjust but a blatant violation of his fundamental rights,” said Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka stated in the statement.
The Council revealed that Akuwudike had once served as a media assistant to Ms. Sandra Duru, with whom he had a close professional relationship.
However, their partnership reportedly turned sour after Akuwudike resisted alleged pressures to engage in unethical activities.
“This unlawful detention reeks of intimidation and is unacceptable to the Ohanaeze Youth Council and Igbo youths at large,” Igboayaka added.
“If there is any credible evidence against him, he should be charged to court. Otherwise, he must be released immediately.” part of the statement read.
The OYC further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, emphasizing that prolonged inaction could jeopardize the faith Igbo youths have in his administration.
“This incident is a test of the government’s commitment to justice and fairness. We demand urgent action within 48 hours,” Igboayaka warned.
The OYC also cautioned against the misuse of law enforcement agencies for political or personal vendettas, urging adherence to due process in all matters concerning Nigerian citizens.
