Popular broadcast journalist, Oriyomi Hamzat, has been arrested in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
There have been outrage over the arrest on Thursday as many read different meanings to the action of the police.
But according to the statement by the force PRO, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, he explained that the broadcaster was arrested in Ibadan with warrant arrest and not forcefully whisked away according to some reports in the news outlets.
He said Oriyomi refused to honour many invitations sent to him over a petition written against him in 2015 on his violation of the Cyber Crime Act.
“The popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, was arrested in ibadan today by our Force Intelligence Bureau operatives in connection with a case of Cyber Bullying under investigation.
“Oriyomi’s arrest was sequel to his refusal to honour Police invitation severally, which prompted the police to secure a warrant for his arrest.
“We are looking into the petition written against him on his violation of the Cyber Crime Act, 2015, and necessary action will be taken to do justice in the matter. Further development will be communicated to you all”.
Recall that Hamzat has become popular over his revelations bordering on human affairs, crimes and other human interest stories.
Of recent, he has been a major voice in the media coverage of the alleged killing of a student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Timotthy Adegoke.
Timothy allegedly died at the Hilton Hotel, Ile Ife owned by Mr. Ramon Adedoyin.
Hamzat had done series of revelatory reports which has made many to follow his coverage of the murder case.
Hamzat is the Managing Director of Agidigbo FM, based in Ibadan. A copy of invitation letter from the police which was signed by CSP Peter Ajogwu had asked Hamzat to report at the Eleyele Command of the Police at 11am on Tuesday May 23.
Already, his arrested is being linked to Hamzat’s persistent call for justice to be done in the trial of suspects being held in the alleged murder case. The hotel where Timothy was allegedly killed is owned by Adedoyin. Just on Wednesday, one of the suspects, Magdalene Chiefuna, said she and others were forced to take an oath not to disclose what they saw about the death of the OAU student.