Senior Journalist Detained, Extorted by Police in Anambra, Children Held for Hours

In a disturbing case of alleged police brutality and extortion, personnel from the Otolo Nnewi Police Division in Anambra State arrested and detained Jude Egbas, Deputy Editor of TheCable, and his family, ultimately releasing them only after extracting N150,000.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, December 28, 2025, began as a family dispute at his in-laws’ home in Ndiakwu community, Nnewi. Following an altercation between his wife and her uncle, a local vigilante group was called. The situation escalated when police officers, led by Superintendent Onyebuchi Isiwekpeni, arrived.

Arrest and Humiliation

According to Egbas, he was violently apprehended, dragged “like a common criminal,” and bundled into a van alongside his wife, Ogechukwu, their two children—aged 13 and 3—and his sister-in-law. Their phones were confiscated, and they were held at the station for ten hours without food or water.

Egbas reported being verbally abused by Isiwekpeni, who allegedly dismissed his press credentials, calling journalism a "useless profession." His wife was also reportedly insulted and assaulted by officers.

Payment for Freedom

After hours of detention, Egbas was informed he could secure his family's release by paying N220,000. Following an hour of pleading, the amount was reduced to N150,000. Under threat of spending the night in a cell, a relative loaned them the money.

Egbas was escorted to a cash point, and upon returning, was forced to write statements before Isiwekpeni counted the money in full, finally releasing the family.

Police Spokesperson Dismissive

When contacted for comment, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, offered a curt response: “What do you want me to do? Please write a report and send it to us for action. Or you can do the story and then we would react.”

Benjamin Hundeyin, the Nigeria Police Force National Spokesperson, redirected inquiries to Ikenga and, when informed of his response, simply stated, “Do the story, sir.”

The incident raises serious concerns about police conduct, abuse of power, and the intimidation of journalists and civilians.