Okezie Atani: Nigerians Criticize FG’s Selective Case Intervention

The Nigerian government says it has intervened in the case of Pastor Okezie J. Atani, a social media influencer arrested for alleged defamation by the Abia State Police command.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced on Friday that Atani, though not affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), would soon be released.

The arrest of Atani stemmed from allegations of defamation against Serah Ibrahim, a prominent figure associated with Peter Obi and the Labour Party.

According to SaharaReporters, Ibrahim allegedly utilised her influence within the Abia State Government to mobilise police personnel to apprehend Atani.

Expressing concern over the incident, various Nigerian netizens have criticised the actions of the Abia State Police Force, decrying what they perceived as an abuse of power.

Minister Olawande, in a statement, emphasised the government’s swift response upon learning of Atani’s arrest.

He stated,

As soon as my office heard about Pastor Okezie’s arrest, we swung into action not because Pastor Okezie is a member of the ruling party, but because of our commitment to due process and fairness.

Detailing the distress experienced by Atani’s family during the ordeal, Olawande highlighted the lack of transparency regarding Atani’s whereabouts, which caused emotional turmoil for his elderly parents, wife, and children. However, he assured me that Atani’s location had been disclosed, and his well-being had been confirmed.

However, the  Netizens have reacted to the minister for allegedly being biased, saying he had not taken any action on cases involving other Nigerian youths, with examples like Chioma Okoli.

They accused him of taking a personal interest in Okezie’s case because he is an APC supporter.

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