Lagos, Nigeria, 06/17 - Detained journalist of Nigeria`s foremost independent television station, African Independent Television (AIT), has been freed and asked to report back to the State Security Service (SSS) 19 June, the local press reported Friday.
Gbenga Aruleba, presenter of the weekday show "Focus Nigeria" on AIT, was arrested Wednesday by SSS operatives reportedly over Tuesday`s edition of the programme, during which he was said to have referred to the supposedly new presidential jet as "Tokunbo", a local parlance for second-hand goods.
Aruleba was quoted as saying he was detained in an underground cell by the operatives, who said they might charge him with sedition.
The arrest had attracted widespread criticism from rights groups and opposition politicians, who said it indicated a gradual return to the dark days of military dictatorship.
But SSS Director-General Kayode Are said the journalist was arrested for an "infraction" and that the arrest was duly authorised by a competent court of law.
"What I want to tell you is that there was basis for the action (journalist`s arrest), and the basis is covered by law," he told journalists in Abuja Thursday.
Are said investigation was being conducted into the infraction, adding: "The outcome of the investigation will come. If it is going to go to court, we will do so but if not, we will just leave it."
