We’re Not Connected To Suspect Linked To Odili’s Home Invasion – THISDAY

One of Nigeria's newspapers, THISDAY, has distanced itself from a suspect arrested in connection with the raid on the Abuja residence of Justice Mary Odili.

Recall that the Nigeria Police Force on Thursday announced that fourteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the unlawful invasion of the home of the Supreme Court judge.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, one of the arrested suspects, Stanley Nkwazema, reportedly works for the newspaper.

But in a statement signed by its Managing Editor, Bolaji Adebiyi, the newspaper stated that the suspect is not one of its staff.

The statement added that Nkwazema resigned from the media organisation 15 years ago as a Sports Correspondent and has not been re-employed.

It stated that the newspaper had no time contracted the suspect to investigate any story since his resignation from the company.

THISDAY, however, stated that it knows nothing of the suspect's alleged investigation of a story leading to the raid of the residence of Justice Odili.

The statement reads: “The attention of the management of THISDAY NEWSPAPERS has been drawn to the news making the rounds that Mr. Stanley Nkwazema, one of those suspected to have invaded the home of Justice Mary Odili claimed to be a staff and Contributing Editor of THISDAY.

“Contrary to his claim, Mr. Nkwazema is neither a Staff of THISDAY nor a Contributing Editor. He was a Sports Correspondent and resigned more than 15 years ago.

“However, occasionally, he, like hundreds of other readers of the newspaper, sends for publication articles and analyses and is usually obliged, a privilege THISDAY gives to some of its ex-staff. That does not in any way make him a staff and contributing Editor of THISDAY.

“Since his resignation, THISDAY had at no time contracted Mr. Nkwazema to investigate any story, and we know nothing of his alleged investigation of a story leading to the raid of the residence of Hon. Justice Odili.

“The police authorities and the general public should, therefore, note that Mr. Nkwazema, whatever may be his involvement in this matter, was not acting on behalf of THISDAY in any shape or form.”