Imo-based activist, Nonso Nkwa arrested, not kidnapped – Police

The Imo State Police Command has clarified the situation regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Chinonso Uba, a human rights activist and radio presenter in the state.

Uba, popularly known as Nonso Nkwa, who is the President of the Protect the Weak Foundation, a civil society organisation, was allegedly kidnapped by unknown armed men on Sunday in Owerri, the state capital.

However, a release signed by the Command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, stated that Nonso Nkwa was arrested by operatives of the command over charges of cyberstalking, character defamation, and other related offences.

Okoye explained that the charges stemmed from a petition submitted to the command by a concerned citizen of the state over a viral video Uba made, which allegedly incited the recent attack on the National Open University (NOUN) Study Center in Nsu, Ehime Mbano Council of the state.

The release read: “Operatives of the Imo State Police Command arrested Mr. Chinonso Uba (Nonso Nkwa) on October 20, 2024, following a petition from a concerned citizen regarding viral videos where he engaged in cyberstalking, character defamation, spreading misinformation, and making inflammatory statements connected to the burning of the National Open University (NOUN) Study Center in Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA, on September 30, 2024, thereby inciting civil unrest.

“The Command clarifies that he was not abducted. Nonso Nkwa is currently detained at the State Headquarters and will be arraigned in court with appropriate charges once a comprehensive investigation is completed.

“The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and order in the state, emphasising that no individual involved in the tragic attack and burning of the NOUN study centre will escape full legal consequences.”