The Imo State Police Command has apprehended Mr. Chinonso Uba (also known as Nonsonkwa) in response to a petition from an anonymous concerned citizen.
The petition was prompted by viral videos in which Uba is accused of cyberstalking, defamation, spreading misinformation, and making inflammatory remarks regarding the burning of the National Open University (NOUN) Study Centre in Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA, on September 30, 2024, which allegedly incited civil unrest.
In a release signed by the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, on Monday, it stated, “The command clarified that he was not abducted. Nonsonkwa is currently detained at State Headquarters and will be arraigned in court with appropriate charges once a comprehensive investigation is completed.
“The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and order in the state, emphasising that no individual involved in the tragic attack and burning of the NOUN study centre will escape full legal consequences.”
Chinonso Uba had raised concerns about a news broadcast by TVC, questioning why Imo State should be designated as an IDP camp instead of focusing on addressing insecurity in Ehime Mbano, where the NOUN study centre is located.
According to reports that in the early weeks of October, suspected arsonists set fire to the NOUN study centre and also targeted the residence of a former lawmaker, Senator Frank Ibezim, in the area.
The statement said, “This unfortunate incident reflects a disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities. The Command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The attacks were reportedly triggered by a viral video suggesting that the Federal Government intended to convert the NOUN facility into a training ground for an internally displaced persons camp. The state government has since refuted this claim.
This video emerged after a recent inspection by Tijani Mohammed, the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, at the national training facility for vulnerable individuals located within the NOUN study centre.