International Press Centre frowns at invasion of ABN TV by police

The International Press Centre’s (IPC) Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ) has expressed dismay at the reported invasion of ABN TV, Umuahia, by police operatives.

IPC also frowned at the forced arrest of a guest during a live programme in the station.

It was gathered that at about 2:40 pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, policemen invaded the station during a live programme, ‘Youth Rendezvous’, to arrest a guest, Udensi Donald.

“This provocative action by the police is simply an act of overzealousness which was unnecessary. The officers could easily have waited for the live programme to end before swinging into action.

“I-CSPJ is therefore calling on the Commissioner of Police, CP Kene Onwuemeile, to call his officers to order and also ensure that the items belonging to the station which were damaged in the course of the invasion be replaced.

“I-CSPJ is also demanding an apology on behalf of the affected station,” Lanre Arogundade, IPC Executive Director, stated.

Narrating what happened, the Station’s Director, Ifeanyi Okali had stated, “The police claimed a senior brother of the guest had written a petition against him over a family matter.

“Despite repeated plea by the staff to the officers to allow the programme come to an end before the guest could be arrested, they insisted on whisking him away while the live programme was on.”