The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed claims that a journalist was detained within the premises of the Anambra State House of Assembly, describing the report as misleading and inconsistent with the events that occurred.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said no journalist was held in custody at any point. He explained that officers on duty merely carried out standard security procedures required to verify the identity of the visitor and confirm the legitimacy of his invitation.
According to Tochukwu, the routine check was non-confrontational and designed strictly to safeguard the Assembly complex, staff, and other dignitaries present. He added that such verification is a normal procedure applied to all guests, irrespective of profession or status.
He noted that reference to an “enemy” made during the encounter was a situational comment arising from what officers perceived as inadequate explanation from the visitor. The brief misunderstanding, he said, was immediately resolved without escalation.
Further checks by the police revealed that the person who invited the journalist was neither a lawmaker nor an employee of the Anambra State House of Assembly. He was also at the facility based on a separate invitation extended by the institution.
The Command emphasized that this clarification was necessary to counter narratives suggesting harassment of media personnel, insisting that the police did not obstruct the journalist’s work or freedom of movement.
Tochukwu reiterated the Command’s respect for journalists, noting that members of the press remain strategic partners in shaping public consciousness and promoting accountability in governance and security operations.
He assured that officers in Anambra State would continue to engage with media professionals with civility, respect, and cooperation, in line with global policing standards.
The Police Command also appealed to the public to seek verification before circulating reports capable of undermining mutual trust between the police and journalists.
SP Ikenga Tochukwu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism and transparency in handling security matters across the state.