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Police justifies arrest, detention of Premium Times reporter

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The Police has said it is investigating the detained Premium Times reporter, Samuel Ogundipe over actions detrimental to state and national security.

The police said this in a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Moshood Jimoh, adding that Ogundipe is being investigated and prosecuted for offences of theft and unlawful possession of restricted and classified documents.

The Force further explained that what Ogundipe did can jeopardize peace, breakdown of law and order and capable of causing crisis in the country, adding that he is also being prosecuted for other offences which violates Official Secret Act, Cyber Crime Act, and the Penal Code Law.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force’s attention was drawn to the innuendos and misinformation in the media about the arrest and ongoing prosecution of one Samuel Ogundipe of Premium Times online publication by Police Investigation Unit.

Read also: Nigerian Journalist detained for 2 years without trial finally released

“The Force is categorically stating that One Samuel Ogundipe is being investigated and prosecuted for the offences of “theft and unlawful possession of restricted and classified documents” inimical to State/National Security that can jeopardize peace, breakdown of law and order capable of precipitating crisis in the Country.

“Mr. Samuel Ogundipe is also being investigated and prosecuted under other offences which violate Official Secret Act, Cyber Crime Act, and the Penal Code Law for which he has volunteered statements and is standing trial.

“It is factual to state that Mr. Samuel Ogundipe was arrested on the 14th of August, 2018 and on completion of Preliminary Investigation, he was arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction in the FCT in less than Twenty Four (24) Hours of his arrest.“He was remanded in Police custody and the case was adjourned to Monday, 20th August, 2018.

The force also contends that it is a law abiding organization and would do nothing against the rule of law or the rights of individuals.

“However, individuals or groups who violate the law must be brought to justice, the Force will also ensure that all Nigerians irrespective of profession, practice or career are subject to the same Law, and therefore wish to impress it on the Media to encourage prosecution of all offenders upon whom a prima facie case has been established.

“Every concerned groups or interested persons should be aware that the matter is in court and the due process of law is being followed”.

 

 

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