Ugochukwu Favour, the National Association of Nigerian Students President in Benin Republic, has called for the immediate arrest of investigative reporter, Umar Audu, who uncovered a certificate racketeering scandal in the country.
In an interview on Thursday with Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Favour criticized Audu for obtaining certificates and having his passport stamped without being physically present, raising concerns about the credibility of government agencies like the Immigration and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Favour emphasized, “Your passport was stamped while you were not available there. Now, and that aside, this guy served in 2019. And he still served again in 2023.”
Accusing the reporter of implicating the government and casting doubt on the integrity of institutions, Favour insisted on Audu’s arrest.
“He has to be arrested. This guy needs to be arrested because, I know, he’s a reporter who is trying to clear out some things but on that note, you are trying to implicate some persons now because, in a sense, you’re trying to implicate the government, the NYSC and the immigration,” Favour asserted.
When questioned about potential loopholes exposed by the reporter’s efforts, the NANS president acknowledged, “I’m not doubting that but then since this is out already, I want to urge the government to look into it and take the necessary steps as fast as possible.”