Idoma Television Defends Journalist Meddy Olotu Imanoel Amid Backlash Over Suspects’ Release in Ardo Risku Murder Case

Tensions remain high in Benue South following the killing of MACBAN Chairman Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, as fresh controversy has erupted over the arrest and subsequent release of suspects, with some now linking the development to retaliatory attacks on communities in Akpachi, Ugboju, and Otukpo-Nobi.

According to reports by Idoma Television, the initial arrests of several young men, many from Idoma-speaking communities, sparked widespread outrage among parents, community leaders, and social media users who questioned the lack of formal charges or updates on the investigation. The police eventually released the detainees, a move many observers interpreted as indicating insufficient evidence to continue holding them, even as investigations into the murder remained ongoing.

Social media activist Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), released a video claiming that armed bandits carried out the recent attacks in retaliation for Ardo Risku’s killing and the release of the suspects. In the video, VDM played a clip by citizen journalist Meddy Olotu Imanoel, who had reported on the release after police reportedly found no evidence linking the detainees to the crime.

Idoma Television strongly defended Meddy Olotu, describing the portrayal of his reporting as the reason for the attacks as both unfair and misleading. The station emphasized that Olotu simply reported verified developments and has a long history of documenting insecurity in Benue South at great personal risk. Blaming journalists for the actions of violent criminals, the report argued, misdirects public anger and risks discouraging independent reporting when credible information is most needed.

The release of the suspects, carried out without detailed explanation from the police, has left several critical questions unanswered: Why were the suspects released? What did investigators discover? Who actually killed Ardo Risku? And what is the current status of the investigation?

The outlet stressed that responsibility for any reprisal attacks lies solely with the perpetrators, not with journalists fulfilling their duty to inform the public. “Meddy Olotu did not order anyone’s release. He did not conduct the police investigation. He did not make the decision to free the suspects,” the report noted.

As communities grieve the loss of at least 18 lives in the recent violence, the focus, according to Idoma Television, must remain on identifying those responsible for Ardo Risku’s murder, bringing the attackers to justice, and protecting innocent lives. “Every life matters,” the statement concluded.