Unlawful Invasion: ABN TV/Radio Station Calls for Justice and Compensation

In a shocking incident, the Umuahia Area Command police in Abia State invaded ABN TV/Radio station, arresting a guest and causing substantial damage to equipment during a live program. The Director of the station, Ifeanyi Okali, expressed concern over the invasion, emphasizing the disregard for laws and professionalism displayed by the police.

According to Okali, the police claimed they were acting on a petition against the guest, Udensi Donald, filed by his elder brother, Uche Onwuka Udensi, regarding a family matter. The police, however, opted to disrupt the live program, arresting Donald while it was ongoing, despite pleas from the station’s staff to wait until the conclusion.

The station decried the police’s overzealous actions, labeling them as provocative, reckless, and unprofessional. The incident resulted in severe damage to broadcast equipment, including laptops, cameras, microphones, and midgets. ABN TV/Radio sees this as an attack on press freedom and human rights, demanding an open apology from the police and compensation for the damaged equipment.

Ifeanyi Okali stressed that the police’s behavior demonstrated a lack of understanding of proper interaction with the civil populace in a democratic environment. The station called for an apology and the replacement of the affected equipment.

In response to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, assured that the Abia State Command is investigating the matter and pledged that appropriate action will be taken.

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) also condemned the attack, characterizing it as an assault on press freedom and democracy. Prof. Charles Chinekezi, Chairman CLO, Aba Unit, Abia State, called for legal action against the police and urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the officers involved in the incident.