Chude Nnamdi, the social media influencer arrested over alleged cyberstalking, has been released from police custody.

On March 18, Chude was arrested by the police in Anambra state and taken to Abuja, the country’s capital.

His arrest elicited criticism on social media with some Twitter users claiming he was apprehended over an alleged petition written by Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra governor.

However, Soludo denied involvement in the matter, saying the state government gave no such directive.

On Tuesday, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), called for the release of the influencer.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday confirmed that Chude was arrested for alleged cyberstalking.

‘MY EXPERIENCE WAS UNPLEASANT’

Hours after he was set free on Friday, Chude, in a series of tweets, thanked those who demanded his release from police custody.

The social media influencer said he was accused of “calling out” the police and planning to stage a protest to overthrow the government.

“For the records, my experience, from arrest to detention, was unpalatable, unpleasant and unjust. I was hounded into the boot of a waiting car with cuffs. I was accused by the security agents in Anambra of planning to stage a protest and overthrow the government,” he wrote.

“I was accused of calling out the police. Apparently, they didn’t understand that I was just adding my voice like every other young person out there who are desirous of a better society.

“On getting to Awkuzu Sars from my point of arrest, I was manhandled, ruffled and treated like a common criminal. Shout out to the OC Awkuzu Sars who cautioned them to stop the act. He’s a fine officer.

“The cybercrime unit of Interpol were just too good. They represent the finest versions of the Nigerian police. I hope other units of the Nigerian police can emulate them. They also parade the smartest and most brilliant sets of the Nigerian police.

“Going forward, it is important to state that the Nigerian police needs to be insulated from political interference. As critical enablers of societal progress and development, the institution is in need of independence from the machinations of political actors.”

CHUDE APOLOGISES TO EMEKA OFFOR

In a video posted on his Twitter page, the social media influencer apologised to Emeka Offor, the chairperson of Chrome Group, an oil and gas firm.

“I want to apologise to Sir Emeka Offor over the tweet I made,” Chude said.

“As at the time I made the tweet, it was unverified. It was not to malign him in any way.”

However, the video was deleted minutes after he published it on his Twitter account.

Chude had alleged that Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, asked Offor to beg Obi to accept the results of the February 25 presidential election.

The Lagos government has published the locations of 349 “distressed” buildings in the state.

In a publication released by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the agency asked the owners of the properties to conduct a “non-destructive test” (NDT) on the said structures.

The publication was signed by Gbolahan Oki, general manager of LASBCA.

The agency said the NDT on the distressed buildings will help “ascertain their structural stability and where the structures turn out to be unfit for habitation, demolition permit
should be obtained”.

LASBCA said it will not hesitate to remove the distressed structures within 90 days after the publication of the notice for the conduct of NDT.

“LASBCA has therefore served all statutory enforcement notices on the structures and has requested the owners/developers of the structures to conduct a Non- Destructive Test (NDT) on the structures with no response from the respective owners /developers of the buildings,” the publication reads.

“Following the above, a final notice is hereby given to the owners/developers of the underlisted buildings to conduct a Non-Destructive Test on the structures to ascertain their structural stability and where the structures turn out to be unfit for habitation, demolition permit should be obtained from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to remove the structures in the interest of public safety.

“Where the structure is recommended for re-engineering/renovation, the buildings to conduct a Non-Destructive Test on the structures to ascertain their structural stability and where the structures turn out to be unfit for habitation, demolition permit should be obtained from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) to pull down the structure in the interest of public safety.

“A time frame of 90 days is hereby given after the publication of this notice for the conduct of NDT, re-engineering or removal of the identified structures that are exhibiting signs of distress (as the case may be) failing which LASBCA shall not hesitate to remove the structures in the interest of public safety and in line with the regulatory provisions of the Law.

“Where structures are removed by the Agency, cost of removal shall be recovered from the owner/developer as required by the Law.”

A copy of the publication is here.

No fewer than 35 officers of the Marine Command and Seaports Operations of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have undergone diverse trainings organised by the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, HOIO, in recent weeks.

Of the number, five are currently undergoing a two-week Maritime Patrol and Tactical Coxswain training by the UK’s Central Maritime Training Unit based in Southampton.

The trainings, according to the HOIO, are to enhance the border control capabilities of the NDLEA by providing specialised training, mentoring and advanced drug detection equipment.

Key areas covered so far include: boat handling, weapons handling, riverine operations, boarding and vessel search, among many others. Some of the trainings have been facilitated by the British Military, Nigerian Navy and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP).

The ongoing two-week training of five NDLEA marine officers including their first female coxswain will enable them to plan maritime deployments, pursue, stop and board vessels on the high seas.

While thanking the UK government for its continued support and commitment in helping the NDLEA to enhance its capacity and capabilities to tackle drug trafficking, Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged the officers to remain steadfast in their professional calling and ensure they bring to bear the essence of the training on their formations and colleagues.

He assured them that he will continue to prioritise training and retraining for all officers, men and women of the Agency.

Kris Hawksfield, the Home Office International Operations Regional Manager for West Africa in his remark during his visit to the team undergoing training in Southampton stated that HOIO was immensely proud and honoured to work with and support the work of NDLEA.

He added that the UK remains committed to strengthening the mutually beneficial work of the Agency to interdict, seize and destroy illicit substances and drugs which would otherwise harm Nigeria and the UK.