Umuahia-based Radio/TV online station ABN experienced an unexpected interruption during a live program on Tuesday. The guest, Mr. Udensi Donald, was arrested by policemen, causing the broadcast to come to an abrupt halt.

The incident occurred during the “Youth Rendezvous” program as police officers entered the studio and took Donald into custody. The station, situated in front of the Mater Dei Cathedral, the headquarters of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, faced a sudden blackout due to the unforeseen turn of events.
The officers initially refrained from disclosing the reason for Donald’s arrest but later mentioned that he was wanted due to a petition lodged against him by an undisclosed individual.
A trending viral video on social media has captured the staff of ABN and the guests pleading with policemen during a recent incident. The individuals were seen requesting the officers to allow the program to conclude or at least explain the offense before making an arrest.
Despite their appeals, the officers proceeded with the arrest, promptly halting the ongoing program.
In a statement to DAILY POST on Wednesday, Mr. Ifeanyi Okali, the Director of ABN Radio/TV, expressed dismay over the police conduct. He revealed that a microphone, laptop, and camera were damaged during the scuffle to apprehend the guest.
Okali disclosed that the intrusion occurred around 2:40 pm on Tuesday, with the police asserting that a petition had been filed against the guest by his elder brother regarding a family matter.
“We find this very provocative and indeed an act of overzealousness by the officers who obviously acted in clear contravention of rule of engagement.
“It clearly also negates the enhanced police-civil relations which the Commissioner of Police, CP Kene Onwuemelie, has consistently campaigned for,” he said.
In response to the incident, Okali expressed dismay that ABN staff, who were invited by the Abia State Police Commissioner to provide an explanation, allegedly faced harassment by police officers at the CP’s office, with threats of arrest.
He called for the replacement of damaged equipment and demanded an apology from the Abia State Police Command, characterizing the invasion as unprovoked.
As of the writing of this report, the Abia State Police Command had not provided a response to ABN management’s statement. Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Maureen Chinaka, were unsuccessful as she did not respond to phone calls or messages.
The rights of media personnel must be upheld, and any form of harassment or obstruction impeding their work should be addressed promptly and effectively. It is our hope that this situation can be resolved in a manner that fosters mutual understanding and respect between the Abia State Police Command and the media, ensuring a conducive environment for the free and safe practice of journalism.

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