The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) Abia State has on Thursday,12 December,2024, condemned the unprofessional manner exhibited by a team of security agents led by an officer from FCID Mr Francise Atama on a failed attempt to abduct its Chairman Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro, Anipr from his Office in Umuahia the Abia State Capital.
The condemination comes as officers from Federal Criminal Investigation Department Abuja attempted arresting the blogger at OMPAN State Headquarters at Eket Street Umuahia on a disguise that they brought a media job for the organization to publish for them.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary Dr Steve Unegbu on behalf of the association, the Union condemned the unprofessional behavior of the team while calling on the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission to take action and if necessary punish the Officers for such display of unprofessionalism.
It is imperative to state that the association is not against security agents carrying out their professional duties because OMPAN has over the years built strong synergies with the different security agencies,but the unprofessionalism by the team should be condemned by all stakeholders.
“His attempted arrest,was allegedly instigated by a complaint from yet to be known individual over an alleged defamation even when there was no formal invitation or refusal to respond to prior invitation”
“It is even worrisome that the team from Abuja invaded the State on that failed attempt to whisk away the media practitioner without informing the Abia State Police command which ordinarily should be in the know of their coming into the State”
“Security agencies must embody professionalism and respect for human rights when performing their professional duties.
“It is pertinent to bring to the public notice that it is disconcerting that rather than challenging media publication alleged to be libelous in civil lawsuits,some individuals resort to using security agencies to arrest, harass and intimidate journalists and bloggers for criticism and defamation”
“It is appalling that an allegation of defamation,a civil matter is being handled in such a manner, apparently because of the status of the individual involved” the Secretary stated.
The Statement further said the Chairman of Online Media Practitioners in Abia State Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro will on Friday December 13th 2024 address the matter and give further details.
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