The Nigerian Police on Thursday, August 16, 2018, has revealed more light on why it is investigating the Premium Times Security Sector reporter, Samuel Ogundipe.
The Police said Ogundipe is being investigated and prosecuted for offences of theft and unlawful possession of restricted and classified documents.
The Police said action by Ogundipe was detrimental to State and National security.
The Force said what Ogundipe did can jeopardize peace, breakdown of law and order and capable of causing crisis in the Country.
The Police also said he is prosecuted under other offences which violate Official Secret Act, Cyber Crime Act, and the Penal Code Law.
In a statement in Abuja on Thursday, August 16, 2018, by Jimoh Moshood, the Force Spokesman, also stated that Ogundipe has volunteered statements and he is standing trial.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force’s attention was drawn to the innuendos and misinformation in the media about the arrest and ongoing prosecution of one Samuel Ogundipe of Premium Times online publication by Police Investigation Unit.
“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 August 14, 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 in Police custody and the case was adjourned to Monday, August 20, 2018.”
The Force said as a law abiding organization, it will continue to ensure that the Rule of Law and its supremacy which are essentials of democracy prevail at all times.
“However, individuals or groups who violate the law must be brought to justice, the Force will also ensure that all Nigerians irrespective of profession, practice or career are subject to the same Law, and therefore wish to impress it on the Media to encourage prosecution of all offenders upon whom a prima facie case has been established.
“Every concerned groups or interested persons should be aware that the matter is in court and the due process of law is being followed.
“The Nigeria Police Force and the media are veritable partners in ensuring peace, law and order in the country, but the Force will not compromise or allow an offender to go scot free or pervert the end of justice.”
The Force assured all law abiding Nigerians, 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.
It also said it will continue to hold in high esteem with utmost respect, the views of prominent and notable media unions, practitioners associations and other stakeholders.
“The Force is constrained by the Law to allow justice to take its course and rule of law to prevail in this case.”
The Force also urged members of the public to disregard every sentiment being peddled to cast aspersions on the investigation and the ongoing prosecution of the offender in court.
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