An Imo State-based journalist and activist, the convener of Protect The Weak Foundation, Chinonso Uba(NonsNkwa), is currently missing.
A source told CrimeFacts news last night that the activist was abducted around 5 pm on Sunday by unidentified persons.
The source said, “Somebody just alerted me that Nonso Nkwa was abducted in front of Teachers House in Owerri. I don’t have all the facts, but can anybody confirm this or state to the contrary?”
The activist phone number was switched off when this reporter called him several times on Sunday.
CrimeFacts news has yet to ascertain the persons and reasons behind his abduction or arrest.
A source who preferred anonymity told CrimeFacts news that Mr. Uba was picked by the operatives of the Tiger Base Unit of Imo police command on Sunday evening. But CrimeFacts news is yet to independently verify this at the moment.
In a telephone conversation with the police spokesperson in the State, Henry Okoye told CrimeFacts news that he was not aware of the incident. He promised to get back to this reporter but he’s yet to do so as at press time.
Another senior police officer said he was not aware.
REPORTED CASE OF EXTORTION
On Saturday afternoon, Mr Uba forwarded to a police WhatsApp group a recorded call note of an unknown person who alleged that some operatives of the Tiger Base unit forcedly extorted over N2m from him.
Responding to this allegation, the Imo PPRO assured that the police authorities would investigate and bring the perpetrators to book.
RESIDENTS EXPRESS FEAR
Many residents who learnt about the abduction/arrest of Mr Uba yesterday, expressed fear over safety.
A resident and activist, simply identified as Mr Daniels, said, ”Please, I have a burden in my heart to raise this question here this morning, on the disturbing news making the rounds, about the alleged abduction of one of us, Mazi Chinonso Uba Nonsonkwa, since yesterday evening.
“Some of us here are worried and wish to know if police have any information or have gathered any intelligence on the whereabouts of this colleague.
Another Journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, stated on Facebook that if the idea is to allegedly sneak him into a courtroom this morning (Monday) for arraignment and possibly remand him, then it is injustice.
“His fundamental human rights must be respected.
“He should be given access to his lawyers and family members. That is his constitutional right.
“Human rights lawyers, journalists, members of civil liberties organizations should check around the rooms and give him the legal representation the constitution guarantees him.
This reporter observed that there’s anxiety by many social media users especially on Facebook, over the abduction/arrest of Mr Uba.
More to follow.
