A popular Benue-based chef, Tartenger Victor, has been arrested and detained at the Police Headquarters in Makurdi over an alleged defamatory post related to the head of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

According to sources, Victor did not write the post himself but simply shared it on social media, giving proper credit to the original author. Despite that, he was reportedly singled out by authorities and taken into custody.

His wife confirmed his arrest, expressing deep worry over the situation. The incident has since triggered a wave of reactions across the state.

Many members of the public have condemned the police action, calling it unnecessary and heavy-handed. Critics believe the matter could have been resolved through dialogue, especially since Victor wasn’t the original author.

Observers are now calling on the authorities to uphold freedom of expression and ensure that citizens are not punished for simply sharing content online — particularly when no intent to defame can be clearly established.

As of now, no official statement has been released by the police or SEMA regarding the arrest