Arrested “Boko Haram journalist” reportedly nervous during long flight to Nigeria
Ahmed Salkida, one of the three people Nigerian Army declared wanted over alleged connection to Boko Haram, was arrested in Abuja on Monday.
Salkida, who arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard Emirates flight EK 785, was taken from the door of the aircraft by members of the security forces.
A passenger seated next to Salkida during the journey said the journalist was nervous throughout the flight.
She reportedly said she recognized him from photos posted online, and engaged him in conversation throughout the seven-hour flight.
She said Salkida told her he expected to be arrested upon arrival because he was traveling with an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) — issued to foreigners who lose their passport — and that the State Security Service (SSS) was aware of his coming.
According to the female passenger, Salkida expressed fear he would not be given a fair trial and accused the government of pronouncing him guilty without trial.
Salkida further told the passenger he did not know the whereabouts of any Boko Haram leaders or Chibok girls. He, according to the passenger said:
“I admit receiving two video clips from Boko Haram before they were released to the public. Boko Haram have confidence in my objectivity as an investigative journalist.”
Salkida had last month accused the government of refusing to renew his passport at the Nigerian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates for fear that he would run away to an unknown destination.
He raised some concern that the military was witch-hunting him and wrongly assuming he was behind the report on the purchase of two properties in Dubai by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai.
After the military declared Salkida wanted, he had told them to send him money to fly to Nigeria because “I’m broke”.
