IGP speaks on arrest of Elombah brothers
Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police, has broken his silence on the arrest of journalists of elombah.com.
Operatives of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) had whisked Daniel and Timothy Elombah, publisher and editor of the platform, from their Anambra residence on Monday.
Daniel, who was later released in Abuja, said six males were arrested on the day the policemen broke into their house.
Timothy is still in detention.
Speaking with state house correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Idris hinted that the reporters were arrested because they “committed an offence”.
Asked if the arrest was based on a negative piece published against him, Idris said: “Anyway I don’t need to send anybody but whenever you commit an offence it is our duty to ensure that we respond.”
Daniel has maintained that the reason for the arrest was not made known.
In a Facebook post where he detailed his experience, the publisher denied that an uncomplimentary thing about the IG was published on elombah.com.
He also said he had not been able to reunite with his family since he left police custody.
“Let me emphasise that up till now the police have not revealed to me and Izuchukwu our alleged offences,” the post read.
“No one has informed me why I was abducted from my country home, handcuffed like a criminal and transported in a bus over a very bad road for 700 miles to Abuja.
“Izuchukwu was assaulted, slapped, punched and beaten. We were physically and psychologically tortured and traumatised!”
It is a pity that most people jump into conclusion on issues they know nothing about because of sentiment or ignorance. It is on record that Elomba.com has been known for false publications and recent hijack and wrong use by one fake medical doctor , Martins Ugwu alias Dr George Daniel Davidson for several publications. The police are just doing their job for the sake of innocent citizens like you and I. Social medial rascality has to be stopped. Please ‘google’ the fake doctor, Martins Ugwu to know more about the type of people associated with Elombah.com.