In a swift response to a controversial incident, Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kene Onwuemeile, visited the broadcast studio of ABN TV/Radio in Umuahia, 24 hours after officers from the command disrupted a live programme and arrested a guest.
The police officers, acting on a petition against Udensi Bernard, a guest at the live broadcast of “Youth Rendezvous,” invaded the studio, causing damage to broadcast equipment. Despite pleas from the media organization’s staff to allow the programme to conclude before making the arrest, the officers proceeded to forcefully take away Bernard in a Gestapo style.
CP Onwuemeile, accompanied by high-ranking officials of the command, expressed his displeasure over the incident. Visibly angered, the police commissioner issued apologies to ABN TV/Radio, its management, and staff for the disruption of their routine activities aimed at societal development.
He emphasized that the actions of the four police officers did not reflect the true image of the command, urging all police officers in the state to focus on building a positive relationship with the civil populace.
Assuring redress, the Commissioner of Police pledged to repair the damaged studio equipment as a gesture of goodwill. The visit and apology serve as an attempt to mend relations between the police force and the media organization.
In a subsequent development, Udensi Bernard, the arrested guest, has been released along with his friend Michael Idika, who was initially detained alongside him. The incident highlights the delicate balance between law enforcement and media freedom, prompting a call for increased dialogue and understanding between the police and media outlets in the region.
