Why Newspaper Vendors Were Arrested In Imo State — Imo Police Commissioner Explains

Imo police command has explained why some newspapers vendors and distributors were arrested by security operatives in the state.

A clampdown on newspaper vendors in the state was initiated by security operatives on Monday May 10. It was reported that popular Rotobi area noted for newspaper distribution was raided by security operatives who also arrested some vendors and distribution agents.

New Telegraph sales representative, Chuks Ugwuibe was also arrested at Banana Junction in Orlu after he had gone to reconcile his sales with the vendors. Daily Trust reported that the security agents were said to have gone to Rotobi, and ransacked the whole area, arresting two sales representatives and two vendors.

This led to closure of newspaper shops by vendors who alleged that the police were “arresting everybody arbitrarily.”

Imo state police commissioner, Abutu Yaro offered an explanation for the arrest when he received the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel at the Command Headquarters in Owerri on Tuesday May 12.

He maintained that the arrest was not arbitrary, but was in the course of investigation into some issues in publication that the command was investigating.

Yaro said;

“In the course of my finding, I got to know that IRT operatives said they have been working on the subject matter before now on some publications and on some issues that require further profiling and analysis.

“And in tracking that assignment, the point of concentration revolves around that particular spot and those persons were of primary evidence to them. And that they are profiling the persons in respect to what they are doing..”