**Date**: September 3, 2023
*Lagos, Nigeria*:
Babatunde Fashola has initiated legal action against media outlet Reportera and two others over allegations that he was involved in writing judgments on behalf of judges at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).
Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim, the owner of Reportera, has made allegations that the Department of State Services (DSS) abducted his brother, Chike Victor Ibezim, in place of himself. Nnamdi claimed that he had not received any invitation to defend himself.
In response to these allegations, the DSS, through its spokesperson, Afunanya Peter, has denied any involvement in the abduction of Chike Victor Ibezim.
Nnamdi Ibezim has taken to social media platform X to call for the release of his brother, this time directing his appeal to the Nigerian Police.
In a statement posted on social media, Nnamdi Ibezim wrote: “BABATUNDE FASHOLA, RELEASE MY BROTHER CHIKE IBEZIM IMMEDIATELY, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS WICKEDNESS FOR GOODNESS SAKE? HE DID NOT COMMIT ANY CRIME, HE HASN’T BEEN CHARGED FOR ANY CRIME YET UNDER YOUR INSTRUCTION THE POLICE @PoliceNG HAVE HELD HIM FOR 24 DAYS…”
However, the Nigerian Police have responded to these allegations. In their statement, they affirm that Chike Ibezim’s detention is legal and based on a court order. The police assert that Chike is being held in connection with a prima facie case of malicious publication, cyberbullying, and related offenses that are currently under investigation.
The police statement underscores that arrests and detentions are carried out in accordance with legal procedures and respect for individual rights. They state that a court order was obtained after a thorough investigation established an indictment on Chike Ibezim. He is said to be cooperating with the police in the course of their investigation.
The Nigeria Police Force emphasizes its commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights and well-being of all citizens. They stress the importance of responsible and lawful behavior in all forms of communication, including online interactions.
This situation underscores the complex intersection of legal proceedings, allegations, and social media activism, with multiple parties involved in the unfolding events.
For further updates and developments on this matter, please refer to reliable news sources and official statements.
