The Nigeria Police Force has declared Manfred Ekpe, legal practitioner and spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, wanted over alleged cyberstalking, threat to life, criminal defamation, criminal intimidation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The declaration was contained in a Special Police Gazette Bulletin issued by the Inspector General of Police and posted online on 20 February. A High Court in Akwa Ibom had earlier issued a warrant for his arrest.
Mr Ekpe has been a consistent critic of Governor Umo Eno, using social media to challenge government policies. In his latest post on 23 February, he described the renewed dispute over 76 oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states as “a mere rhetoric.”
Speaking to Premium Times, Mr Ekpe dismissed the allegations as “laughable.” He accused the state police of acting on behalf of Governor Eno to silence opposition.
“The Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Police, Baba Araze, has abandoned his constitutional duty of security to fan Governor Umo Eno’s overblown emotions,” he said.
Mr Ekpe also linked the move to the ongoing trial of another government critic, God’sown Udoito, alleging a pattern of targeting dissenting voices from the Ekid ethnic group.
He claimed three other critics are also being targeted and said the police never contacted him before he was declared wanted.
Police spokesperson Timfon John said due process was followed. She explained that petitions were received on 13 January, and several attempts to reach Mr Ekpe by phone and at his residence were unsuccessful.
“Having exhausted all other steps, the command applied to a competent court on 5 February for an order declaring him wanted and issuing a warrant of arrest,” she said.
Petitions against Mr Ekpe were submitted by the Nsit Ubium Amalgamated Media Forum and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Documentation, Ememobong Udoh.
Reacting, ADC Caretaker Chairman in Akwa Ibom, John Akpanudoedehe, said he had yet to be briefed on the matter. Another party chieftain, Solomon Johnny, questioned police involvement, describing it as “a political disagreement.”
