The Aniocha North Local Government has denied reports circulating on social media platforms that its Executive Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, has been arrested and detained in police custody.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the Chairman, Hon. Ndubuisi Osemene, the council described the reports as “blatant lies from the pit of hell” aimed at tarnishing the chairman’s reputation.
The statement clarified that Hon. Chinye was already abroad for his annual leave and his daughter’s graduation ceremony in Canada when he received, in his capacity as the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, and the Chief Security Officer, an invitation from the police regarding a prolonged land crisis in Onicha-Olona, his hometown.
The Local Government provided a detailed and verifiable account of the chairman’s itinerary, refuting the claims of detention.
According to the statement, Hon. Chinye left Nigeria for Canada on May 30 and attended his daughter’s graduation ceremony. He then traveled to London on June 13 and returned to Lagos on June 18. He visited the police in Abuja on June 23 and June 24, but was not detained.
“It will be recalled that the Executive Chairman left Asaba for Lagos on Wednesday, May 28 and departed from Lagos for Canada on Friday the 30th.
He left Canada for London on Friday June 13 and departed for Lagos on Wednesday the 18th.
“He left Lagos for Abuja on Sunday, June 22 and visited the Police on Monday, June 23 by 11am and left the police Station by 3:47pm.
“He was with the Police again on Tuesday, June 24 by 11am and left by 6:37pm,” the statement stated.
The statement also confirmed that Hon. Chinye is currently at his relaxation place, enjoying his annual vacation, which terminates today, June 25.
The council authority urged journalists and publishers to verify information before publishing and to maintain professionalism and ethics in their reporting.
The council also cautioned social media handlers against posting content that could tarnish people’s character and reputation, stressing the importance of responsible media practice.
The council, however, vowed to investigate and get to the root of the report, which they believe was aimed at defaming the character and reputation of its Executive Chairman. Directives have been given to the Executive Chairman’s legal team to work towards challenging and taking legal action against whoever or any organization responsible for the malicious media report.