Akwa Ibom comedian arrested after Facebook outburst

Akwa Ibom comedian arrested

Police have arrested a stand-up comedian in Akwa Ibom State known by his stage name as Sir James.

The comedian’s arrest follows several posts on Facebook criticising the commissioner for tourism in the state, Orman Esin, Premium Times said on Thursday.

Sir James was arrested on Wednesday in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom.

The funnyman criticised Mr Esin and the ministry for allegedly refusing to pay or underpaying several artistes who performed in a state-organised event last December.

“I heard the Commissioner’s house is receiving unexpected guests this morning & currently paying some artistes,” the comedian wrote on Facebook.

“Some people who called me for direction to his house are now sending me ‘Thank You’ & ‘God Bless’. Hurry up, go & get your money coz he may be going overseas for vacation with his family this weekend.”

The news platform said Esin did not respond to calls and text message.

Akwa Ibom police spokesman, Odiko MacDon, also did not respond to calls and text message.