Premium Times' reporter, Samuel Ogundipe.
A statement by the Force spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood said Ogundipe was
being prosecuted for alleged theft and unlawful possession of
restricted and classified documents.
He disclosed that the materials Ogundipe possessed were inimical to
the country's security, adding that they could jeopardize peace, and
are capable of precipitating crisis across the country.
Moshood insisted that the Force was a law-abiding organization and
will continue to ensure that the rule of law prevailed at all times.
The statement reads, "The Force is categorically stating that One
Samuel Ogundipe is being investigated and prosecuted for the offences
of "theft and unlawful possession of restricted and classified
documents" inimical to State/National Security that can jeopardize
peace, breakdown of law and order capable of precipitating crisis in
the Country.
"Mr. Samuel Ogundipe is also being investigated and prosecuted under
other offences which violate Official Secret Act, Cyber Crime Act, and
the Penal Code Law for which he has volunteered statements and is
standing trial.
'It is factual to state that Mr. Samuel Ogundipe was arrested on the
14th of August, 2018 and on completion of Preliminary Investigation,
he was arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction in the FCT in
less than Twenty Four (24) Hours of his arrest. He was remanded to
Police custody and the case was adjourned to Monday, 20th August,
2018.
"However, individual(s) or group(s) who violates the law must be
brought to justice, the Force will also ensure that all Nigerians
irrespective of profession, practice or carrier are subject to the
same Law, and therefore wishes to impress it on the Media to encourage
prosecution of all offenders upon whom a prima facie case has been
established. Every concerned group(s) or interested person(s) should
be aware that the matter is in court and the due process of law is
being followed.
"The Force is hereby assuring all law abiding Nigerians, respected
media practitioners and other members of the public of a guaranteed
freedom of expression and other rights as enshrined in the 1999
Constitution as amended, and will continue to hold in high esteem with
utmost respect, the views of prominent and notable media unions,
practitioners associations and other stakeholders. However, the Force
is constrained by the Law to allow justice to take its course and rule
of law to prevail in this case."
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