Journalists in Imo State have raised alarm over what they describe as growing intimidation of the press, following the police summons issued to Mr. Lambert Ojukwu, Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian Newspoint newspaper, for interrogation over a news report.
Ojukwu was invited by the Imo State Police Command after a formal complaint was lodged by the state’s Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Barrister Rex Anunobi, who accused him of criminal defamation, conspiracy, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
According to a police document dated September 29, 2025, and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police T.A. Dashuwar of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the invitation referenced CR: 3000/IMS/CID/D3/VOLH/133, and directed Ojukwu to appear for questioning at the Command Headquarters in Owerri.
The letter stated that the investigation was “fact-finding” and provided for under Section 53(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The initial date of Friday, October 3, 2025, was later shifted to Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Speaking with reporters, some journalists in Owerri—who requested anonymity—condemned the move, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” and alleging that the police were becoming “a tool for political witch-hunts” against members of the press.
Ojukwu has, however, confirmed he will honour the invitation, while calling for fairness and professionalism in the handling of the case.
The development comes just weeks after another Imo-based journalist, Ejike Ogbonna, was released from the Owerri Correctional Centre, where he was held for one month on cyberstalking charges linked to reports about a government official.
Media advocates have urged the police to respect press freedom and ensure that journalists are not harassed for carrying out their constitutional duties.
