The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the arrest of Chike Ibezim, an entrepreneur, following a petition by Babatunde Fashola, the former minister of works. Chike was reportedly arrested on August 10 in Abuja, on account of a report published by Reportera, a news outlet established by Nnamdi Ibezim, Chike’s older brother.
In August, Reporters published a report claiming that Fashola was involved in drafting the presidential election tribunal verdict that would be handed to judges.
Fashola denied these allegations and submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) regarding the “defamatory” report.
The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated in a press release that Chike has been detained due to alleged “malicious publication, cyberbullying, and other related offenses.” Adejobi said Chike’s detention was based on a court order and that the police are conducting an investigation into these allegations.
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