Emmanuel Odaudu, an ex-soldier detained for eight months by the Nigerian Army over an old rapping video on Facebook has finally regained his freedom.
The Punch quoted Odaudu’s mother, Helen as confirming his release from the underground cell of the Nigerian Army Special Investigation Bureau, Abuja on June 11.
He was arrested on June 12, 2020, she earlier said.
Popular human rights lawyer, Femi Falana had recently taken up Odaudu’s case, vowing to prove in court the illegality of the Army arresting a civilian and not transferring them to the police in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Helen, who lamented her son’s plight, had disclosed that he was detained by the Army over an old Facebook video showing him rapping while in uniform.
Read Also: Insecurity: Blaming govs, LG chairmen like abdicating responsibility – Masari tells Buhari
She said her son was arrested in their hometown of Otukpo, Benue State, and efforts to secure his release failed until now.
“My son has been released, but when I went to see the lawyer representing us from Falana and Falana Chambers, he said the case is still on and that the Army is not withdrawing it.
“He was released on Friday, June 11, 2021. I was very happy when I saw him; it was like a dream come true. I appreciate God, my special thanks goes to PUNCH Newspapers, the Falana and Falana Chambers and every other person, who stood by me during my trying period,” The Punch quoted Helen Odaudu as saying.