Detained Kaduna journalist, Jacob Dickson has finally regained his freedom after 7 days in prison.
The embattled journalist who was detained on the order of the Kaduna State government, Nasir El- Rufai, was released on Thursday.
He, however, expressed gratitude to his colleagues and human rights organizations in the country for ensuring his release from custody.
Expressing his experience in the hands of security operatives, Mr Dickson said he was treated with high sense of professionalism all the days he was invited by the police and when he was eventually taken to prison.
“I sincerely want to thank my State chairman, the secretary, colleagues within and outside Kaduna and other human right organizations for standing by me throughout the days l was invited by the security operatives up to today when l regained my freedom.
“The story l wrote was not intended in anyway to cause disaffection in the state, but l was trying to bring to the knowledge of the general public what happened,” he explained.
It will be recalled that on Thursday, 28th April, 2016, Mr Jacob Dickson was arrested by operatives of the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), Kaduna over an alleged inciting statement against governor El-Rufai to the effect that he promotes anti-Christian policy, cancels Easter breaks in the state and that the said governor was stoned by angry youths in some parts of Kaduna.
It was also alleged that Mr Dickson further published that cold war ensued between the State Executive governor and his deputy, Alh. Bala Bantex.
It was alleged that the suspect in his presentation believes that the inciting publication which he admitted was yet to be confirmed in his written statement will be read by the general public; contrary to section 180 of the Penal Code law of Kaduna State 1991 and section 416 of the Penal Code (Northern Region) Federal Provisions ordinance, 1960.
The case is billed for hearing on Thursday, 12th May, 2016 at the Magistrate Court 1, Ibrahim Taiwo road, Kaduna.
