Just In: Nigerian Journalist, Salkida Wanted for Boko Haram Video Arrested at Abuja Airport

 

According to an exclusive report by SaharaReporters, a Nigerian journalist who is one of the three people wanted for alleged connection to Boko Haram and the whereabouts of over 200 Chibok girls, Ahmed Salkida, has been arrested in Abuja on Monday. 

 

The report further revealed that the Dubai-based correspondent, arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard Emirates flight EK 785, and was taken from the door of the aircraft by members of the security forces. 

 

Disclosing to the publication, a passenger seated next to Salkida during the journey revealed that he was nervous throughout the flight, adding that she recognized him from photos posted on the Internet and engaged him in conversation throughout the 7-hour flight. 

 

According to the woman, Salkida said that he expected to be arrested upon arrival because he was traveling with an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) and that the State Security Service (SSS) was aware of his coming. She also said he expressed fear that he would not be given a fair trial and accused the government of pronouncing him guilty without trial. 

 

Salkida further told the passenger that he did not know the whereabouts of Boko Haram leaders or Chibok girls. However, he admitted to receiving two video clips from Boko Haram before they were released to the public. He said Boko Haram had confidence in his objectivity as an investigative journalist, having previously interviewed Mohammed Yusuf, the founding leader of Boko Haram.

 

It would be recalled that the Acting Director, Army Public Relations of the Nigerian Army, on August 14, declared the trio of Ahmed Salkida, Ahmed U. Bolori and Aisha Wakil wanted because they were alleged to be in possession of information on the conditions and the exact location of schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.