I Won't Succumb to Intimidation: Abia OMPAN Chair Condemns Failed Abduction Attempt

The Chairman of the Abia State chapter of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro, has recounted a troubling encounter with officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Abuja. Speaking at a press conference on December 13, 2024, Okoro detailed an alleged attempt to abduct him from the OMPAN state secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State, on December 6, 2024.

According to Okoro, the officers, led by one Mr. Francis Atama, arrived at the OMPAN secretariat under the guise of seeking media services. Mr. Atama reportedly claimed to have a story involving a kidnapping related to a royal tussle in Enugu, which he wanted published urgently. The officer insisted on speaking only with Okoro, dismissing the intervention of OMPAN's secretary, Dr. Steve Unegbu.

Sensing something was amiss, Okoro began a preliminary investigation. "I discovered that all his claims were false and designed to lure me to the office for an unlawful arrest or possible harm,ÔÇØ he said. The media leader, who was out of town at the time, refused to meet with the officers, further frustrating their plans.

The incident raised serious concerns about police procedures. Okoro revealed that no official invitation had been extended to him before the officers attempted to arrest him. "This was a calculated attempt to disgrace my office and remand me in prison during the festive season. If this was not the plan, they would have done the right thing by sending an official invitation,ÔÇØ Okoro stated.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that there was no pending case against Okoro. She further advised him to visit the state's Commissioner of Police for clarification, which he did on Monday, December 9, 2024.

The OMPAN chairman condemned the unprofessional approach of the FCID officers, particularly their failure to disclose their true identities and intentions. He described their actions as a gross misuse of police authority, potentially aimed at intimidating or silencing him.

"I have never jumped bail or been detained for any alleged offense in my life. This is clearly an attempt to intimidate me and embarrass the office I represent,ÔÇØ Okoro said.

In response to the incident, Okoro has filed a formal complaint with the Complaint Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. He has also called on the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), to investigate and address the unprofessional conduct of Mr. Atama and his team.

Okoro expressed gratitude to the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, for condemning the failed abduction attempt. He reassured the public that OMPAN remains committed to collaborating with the police in the fight against crime and ensuring a peaceful society.

"I want to categorically state that I will not be intimidated by anyone. This is a clear misuse of security agencies, and it has failed,ÔÇØ Okoro emphasized.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among media practitioners in Abia State and beyond. Many have criticized the misuse of security apparatuses to intimidate journalists and stifle free speech. OMPAN members have called for transparency and strict sanctions against unprofessional conduct in law enforcement.

As the story unfolds, the public awaits further action from the police authorities to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The failed abduction attempt on Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro underscores the challenges faced by media practitioners in Nigeria. Despite this ordeal, Okoro remains resolute in his commitment to press freedom and justice, sending a strong message against intimidation and harassment.

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