Posted by By Olusola Fabiyi and Sebastine Ebhuomhan on
The State Security Service has said it arrested United States-based Nigerian blogger, Jonathan Elendu, for matters relating to sedition.
The State Security Service has said it arrested United States-based Nigerian blogger, Jonathan Elendu, for matters relating to sedition.
Our correspondents gathered that Elendu, who runs an online news agency - elendureports.com - based in Lansing, Michigan in the US, had been interrogated a number of times.
He was said to have first been interrogated on issues bordering on national security and other matters before it was narrowed down to sedition.
A source within the SSS headquarters in Abuja where Elendu is being detained, said the journalist was, however, being treated with 'respect.'
Elendu was arrested on Saturday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on arrival from the US.
His arrest and detention was confirmed by the spokesperson for the SSS, Mr. Kenechukwu Onyeogu, who said he had no idea when Elendu would be released or charged to court.
Onyeogu said, "Yes, he is with us. He was first of all investigated on issues that bordered on national security but it has now been narrowed down to sedition activities.
"I cannot say when he will be released or if he will be taken to court. We will let the world know as soon as we finish our investigations."
Elendu's lawyer, Mr. Ugo Muoma, also told the British Broadcasting Corporation that he had not spoken with his client since he was arrested.
He said, "They have not pressed any charges and have not allowed anyone to see him. There haven't been many really controversial stories about the president on elendureports.com in the last few months."
Meanwhile, the SSS has debunked recent media reports that suggest inappropriate management of personnel.
The Director, State Services Academy, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said this during an interview with one of our correspondents.
He spoke in Lagos at the passing-out parade of the 14th Cadet Officers Basic Course.
The parade took place at the academy's parade ground in Ojo, Lagos.