Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Anambra State Police Command has issued a formal clarification following online reports alleging that a journalist was detained while attempting to access the Anambra State House of Assembly complex. In a detailed statement released on 11 December 2025, the Command emphasized that no detention occurred at any point, insisting instead that officers on duty merely carried out standard identity verification procedures routinely applied to all visitors entering sensitive government facilities. The clarification comes amid heightened public conversation about press freedom, security protocol, and the delicate balance between safeguarding public institutions and ensuring unhindered access for journalists performing their duties.
According to the police, the journalist arrived at the Assembly premises on invitation but was required by security personnel to confirm both his identity and the legitimacy of his entry request. Police officers stationed at the facility followed established security guidelines designed to protect government infrastructure, elected officials, administrative staff, and other authorized visitors. These background checks, they said, are standard for all categories of individuals, regardless of profession or organizational affiliation. The Command stressed that the process was neither punitive nor restrictive, and that the officer’s engagement with the journalist formed part of routine access control procedures used across similar public institutions in the state.
A point of contention in the unfolding online discussions was a remark reported by the journalist involving the use of the term “enemy” by one of the officers on duty. Addressing this, the police explained that the comment was a “situational statement,” which emerged during a moment of friction when the officer found the journalist’s initial explanation of his presence unsatisfactory. The Command noted that the minor misunderstanding led to a brief exchange between both parties but was quickly resolved without escalation. Police authorities added that there was no formal complaint lodged afterwards and that both the officer and the journalist were able to clarify their positions, allowing the journalist to proceed without obstruction once identity confirmation was completed.
An additional aspect uncovered during internal review was the status of the individual who purportedly invited the journalist to the State House of Assembly facility. Contrary to assumptions that the inviter was a staff member or elected legislator, the police revealed that the person in question was neither employed by the Assembly nor recognized as part of its official operations. Instead, he too had been granted access on the basis of a separate invitation from the institution. This clarification was deemed necessary by the Command to eliminate misconceptions regarding internal authorization and to underscore the importance of proper documentation when individuals guide visitors into restricted or high-security government areas.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its longstanding commitment to maintaining a professional, transparent, and collaborative relationship with journalists across the state. The police spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, emphasized that the press plays a critical role in strengthening public accountability and shaping informed civic engagement. He noted that law enforcement agencies depend significantly on journalists for accurate public information dissemination, crisis communication, and the reinforcement of community-oriented policing initiatives that aim to build trust between citizens and security bodies.
The Command also used the opportunity to reaffirm its respect for press freedoms and to reassure media practitioners that the institution does not condone acts of harassment, undue restriction, or intimidation. Senior officers said they remain open to constructive dialogue with media stakeholders and are willing to improve communication channels to prevent misunderstandings that might arise from routine security protocols. They noted that maintaining safe and secure public infrastructure sometimes requires momentary delays or clarifications, and encouraged journalists to carry appropriate identification and official documentation when covering events at government facilities.
Observers in the media community responded to the police statement with mixed perspectives. Some described the clarification as timely and necessary, noting that misinterpretations of security actions can quickly spread online and create mistrust. Others expressed concern about the tone of interactions between security personnel and journalists, pointing out that even brief confrontations may discourage reporters from carrying out their duties freely. Advocates for press freedom called for periodic training for security officers posted at government facilities, specifically on media relations, de-escalation techniques, and understanding the operational challenges journalists face.
Security analysts also weighed in, saying the incident highlights broader issues surrounding access control at government premises across the country. They argue that while heightened security is indispensable due to evolving national threats, it is equally essential for officers to apply protocols with professionalism and clear communication. According to them, lapses in communication rather than procedural failures are often the root cause of friction between journalists and security personnel at public institutions.
The Anambra State House of Assembly has not released a separate statement on the matter, but administrative sources familiar with facility operations stated that the Assembly maintains strict access regulations to protect legislative processes. They added that the institution relies heavily on police support to enforce these procedures and trusts the Command to ensure that all interactions at the gates and perimeter points are conducted respectfully and in line with democratic values.
For its part, the Police Command expressed appreciation to members of the public who sought clarification rather than amplifying unverified accounts. In its closing remarks, the Command encouraged residents and media professionals to engage with verified channels when seeking information about security incidents. Officials stressed that transparent communication plays a crucial part in preventing misinformation from escalating tensions or undermining public confidence in law enforcement.
As discussions surrounding the incident continue to ease, the Command reaffirmed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with media organizations and to address any concerns they may have regarding access, safety, or security protocol. Officers assure that their doors remain open for engagement, feedback, and partnership, all geared toward fostering a safer and more informed society.
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