Utebor was accosted by soldiers on guard duties while taking photographs of ongoing finishing work at the palatial residence constructed while the President is in office.
Military personnel deployed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s private residence in Otuoke, Ogbia Council Area in Bayelsa on Thursday roughed up and detained a Punch Newspaper Correspondent for attempting to take photographs of the President’s house.
Mr Simon Utebor, was arrested by soldiers from the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta and handed over to the Police at Otuoke Police Station who questioned him and transferred to the State Police Command.
Utebor was accosted by soldiers on guard duties while taking photographs of ongoing finishing work at the palatial residence constructed while the President is in office.
Artisans were seen working and putting finishing touches at the premises consisting of multiple blocks two storey buildings.
Efforts to speak with the Punch Correspondent was unsuccessful as his mobile phone was switched off while in Police Custody at Otuoke.
When contacted Spokesman of the Joint Task Force Lt. Col Isa Ado confirmed the arrest and subsequent handing over of the Punch Reporter to the Police.
He said that the JTF Commander has ordered for the release of Utebor.
Speaking to Premium Times in a brief phone chat, Utebor said that he was yet to regain his freedom.
“I have been transferred to the State CID, and I have written a statement on the incident and we are still waiting for the Police Authorities,” Utebor said