The traditional ruler of Umucheke in Umuobom, Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Ekene Obinali, has been arrested by police. Operatives of the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit of the state police command detained the monarch for allegedly sharing a highly critical write‑up about Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma on a WhatsApp platform.
On March 20, the embattled traditional ruler reposted the write‑up on a WhatsApp group called Ideato Voice. Vitus Ezenwa, the administrator of the platform, confirmed the arrest to our correspondent, stating that the police detained the monarch on Wednesday. Ezenwa, who was also arrested, was granted bail after the traditional ruler’s apprehension. He explained that the contested content carried the headline “Gov Hope Uzodimma in a fresh scandal” and discussed the role of the late Ahmed Gulak during the 2018 All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Imo State.
“My name is Nze Dr Vitus Ezenwa, publisher of Ideato Voice newspaper. I am a witness to this. I was arrested because I am the administrator of the platform where the post was made. I was detained until the royal father was arrested and is currently being held at the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit, Tiger Base. The post was made on March 20. After the traditional ruler’s arrest, the police granted me bail, but I have been required to report to the police station daily until further notice,” he said.
When contacted, the state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the monarch’s arrest and noted that the matter remains under investigation.
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