Edo: PDP, commissioner argue over who owns arrested militant leader

The Edo state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a commissioner in the state are now exchanging words over who actually invited some militants that were purportedly arrested in state with AK45 rifles.

They are accusing each other even as the police is yet to officially confirm the authenticity or otherwise of the said arrests.

The PDP said that three alleged ex-militant leaders with two AK-47 rifles were arrested by operatives of Edo State Police Command, and that the alleged culprits are in the custody of the state criminal investigation department at the police headquarters.

The PDP alleged that the arrested militants are loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Reports said that the leader of the group was arrested last Thursday at a popular hotel in Benin City, the state capital.

Responding, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Henry Idahagbon, speaking with journalists said that the rumour that the militants were arrested in his hotel on Friday was purposefully fabrication “to obfuscate the arrest of one of their (PDP) imported ‘Generals’, Gen. Peres Ejuni, who was arrested with two AK-47 assault rifles and is currently with the police.”

He said that the police have remained resolute and ready to arraign Ejuni in the court.

But the state PDP accused Idahagbon of allowing some members of the APC caught with firearms to go free, describing his action as a travesty of justice that would allow APC to further execute its wicked plans.

The party in a statement, said “The attention of the Edo State PDP has been drawn to the development whereby five thugs known to be regular escorts and personal driver of the member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, who were arrested by the police for being in possession of AK-47 automatic assault rifles, ostensibly for wreaking havoc in the rescheduled Edo State governorship election, have been charged to a magistrate’s court in Abudu for bail without mention of the illegal possession of firearms.

Read also: Stop terrorising Edo PDP members, Ekweremadu tells Buhari

“It beats the imagination, therefore, that the Police would be creating a leeway for potential felons to escape justice. We cannot but impute political bias in this matter because the suspects are members of the ruling APC.

“We hereby call on the police authorities and Idahagbon to serve the course of justice by properly charging them to court,” the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Nehikhare, stated in a statement the party released on the issue.

By Ebere Ndukwu …

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