(CPJ/IFEX) – On 18 July 1998, a statement by Atta David, press Secretary to General Abubakar, was released in Abuja ordering the immediate release of “TheNews” editor Kunle Ajibade, “Tell” assistant editor George Mbah, and “Weekend Classique” (now defunct) editor Ben Charles Obi. **Updates various IFEX alerts – see text** Background Information Ben Charles Obi, […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – On 18 July 1998, a statement by Atta David, press Secretary to
General Abubakar, was released in Abuja ordering the immediate release of
“TheNews” editor Kunle Ajibade, “Tell” assistant editor George Mbah, and
“Weekend Classique” (now defunct) editor Ben Charles Obi.
**Updates various IFEX alerts – see text**
Background Information
Ben Charles Obi, editor of “Weekend Classique”, was sentenced to life
imprisonment by the military tribunal (Investigative Panel) which presided
over the “coup plot” trials. He was reportedly charged with concealment. Obi
is said to be held in unsanitary conditions. He is reportedly routinely
manacled, does not receive adequate nutrition, and is denied access to his
lawyers, his family, and to proper medical care (updates IFEX alerts dated
17, 11 July, 26 June, 26, 22 May 1995).
George Mbah, an assistant editor at “Tell” magazine, was brought before the
military’s Investigative Panel and received a lengthy prison term as well.
He was arrested on 5 May 1995 (updates IFEX alerts dated 17 July, 26 June,
26 and 22 May 1995).
Kunle Ajibade, executive editor of “The News”, was also brought before the
military’s Investigative Panel. Detained on 23 May 1995. He remains in
detention. Kunle Ajibade has a heart condition, and there has been concern
for his health (updates IFEX alerts dated 26 June, 26 May 1995).
