The police authorities on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of a social media influencer, Mr Chude Franklin Nnamdi, in Anambra State, following a complaint filed via a petition.
Chude, a supporter of the Labour Party, was arrested on Saturday after tweeting against Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.
In his tweet, he alleged that Soludo’s political party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was involved in the rigging of the House of Assembly elections.
But in a statement, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi said Nnamdi “is being investigated by the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC)”.
He explained that the social media activities of the LP supporter contravene the provision of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and other criminal laws.
“Furthermore, a prima facie case has been established against him while the case file has been forwarded to the Force Legal Department for further action.
“The Nigeria Police Force therefore urges members of the public to familiarize themselves with provisions of the law and be aware of the penalties for violating them most especially cybercrime laws with the new trends in the digital media space,” he stated.