The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Ewa Okpo, over alleged defamatory posts made on Facebook.
Okpo was reportedly taken into custody following a petition filed by former Senator Effiong Bob, who accused the PDP spokesperson of making damaging claims against him on social media.
According to the police, the petition was submitted on June 17, with allegations bordering on criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and other related offences under existing laws.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom State, DSP Timfon John, said the arrest was carried out lawfully and in line with due process.
She stated that Okpo is currently assisting investigators as the police continue with their inquiry into the matter.
The police stressed that while Nigerians have the constitutional right to freedom of expression, such rights must be exercised within the boundaries of the law.
“Social media is not a sanctuary for criminality.”
The command also warned members of the public against using digital platforms to spread falsehood, intimidate others, or damage reputations.
According to the police, offences such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, criminal defamation, blackmail, and the deliberate spread of false information could attract criminal prosecution.
The command further noted that individuals who knowingly share or amplify such content online may also face legal consequences if investigations link them to unlawful acts.
The police assured the public that the matter would be handled professionally and fairly, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reacting to the matter, former Senator Effiong Bob defended his decision to report the case to the police, dismissing claims that the move was politically motivated or aimed at silencing opposition voices.
Bob said his complaint was based strictly on allegations he considered defamatory and injurious to his reputation.
“He defamed me. He opened Facebook for over one hour to talk about me. He said that I am a fraudster. He said I have never assisted anyone.”
The former senator insisted that public criticism of government policies remains acceptable but argued that personal attacks and defamatory allegations should not be tolerated.
“I only said that you have a right to criticise the governor but leave his person. You have the right to criticise policies, execution of projects or non-execution of them, performance or non-performance. Instead of facing the issue, he decided to defame me.”
Bob also maintained that the allegations against Okpo could attract both civil and criminal proceedings.
“It is both civil and criminal. I am a lawyer. I was called to the Bar in 1984. I am not stupid.”
“It all depends on what the person wants. If you want to treat it criminally, you can treat it. If you want it civil, you can do it. And you can also do both.”
He added that reporting the matter to law enforcement was within his legal rights.
“The question, why did you report to the police? It is my right. Where my right begins, his own stops. We can’t just talk down on people, defaming the integrity of some people.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has strongly condemned Okpo’s arrest, describing it as politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Okpo was being interrogated by operatives of the Police Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Akpan Abia.
The party argued that the matter was purely civil and should not have resulted in police action.
“We strongly condemn any attempt by highly placed people to use security agencies to hound and intimidate real or perceived opponents into political submission.”
The opposition party further disclosed that its Interim National Working Committee has directed the National Legal Adviser to immediately assemble a legal team for Okpo’s defence.
The PDP also claimed that another party member had become a target of intimidation and alleged political oppression.
It vowed to resist any attempt to silence its members through harassment or intimidation.
“The party will defend any of its officials or members who is arrested, intimidated or threatened in the course of exercising their fundamental or political rights protected by the Constitution.”
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