The publisher of Global Upfront online newspaper, Mr. Madu Onuorah reunited with his family on Saturday.
A statement by the newspaper management on Saturday read: “Our Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Madu Onuorah, who was abducted by men of the Ebonyi State Police Command on Wednesday, 22 May 2024, returned home today at about 11 am.
“He rejoined his wife and children, who were relieved to see him back after the police humiliation and embarrassment of Wednesday.
“Mr Onuorah was released late Thursday, 23 May 2024, by the Enugu State Police, who were the ones that requested the Ebonyi Police to abduct him for them.
“He was released on bail by the obstinate and unwilling Enugu State Police Command after an unbearable local and international outcry”.
According to the statement, after consulting with Onuorah and their lawyers, the management would determine their next steps.
The statement further read: “The management of Global Upfront newspapers, after a briefing from Mr. Onuorah and due consultation with our lawyers, will decide the next line of action.
“Meanwhile, Mr. Onuorah and the management of Global Upfront newspapers deeply appreciate the spontaneous and overwhelming solidarity shown in this condemnable abduction by the journalism and media family, friends and well-wishers, human rights and civil society groups, as well as the international community, against the attempt by the Enugu State Police Command to usurp the constitutional duty of the law courts by attempting to adjudicate on a case of alleged defamation”.
Onuorah was abducted from his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, by policemen last Wednesday.
The Enugu State Police Command said Onuorah was arrested over an allegation of defamation by a Reverend Sister based in the United States.
