The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused security agents of attempting to arrest one of their star witnesses ahead of the resumed sitting of the Governorship Election Tribunal on Wednesday.
A viral video shared online featured Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s candidate in the September 21 governorship election, alongside his lead counsel, Ken Mozia, and other party members.
The video showed a plainclothes security operative trying to arrest a witness, but the attempt was interrupted by those present.
According to a party insider, the incident took place while Ighodalo and his team were discussing their preparations for the tribunal hearing in a hotel’s conference room.
The insider claimed that one of the operatives stated that the EFCC was trying to arrest witnesses who were scheduled to appear in court the next day.
The source also noted, “The operatives had no arrest warrant or official documents—only identity cards. This was highly suspicious and seems like a clear attempt at criminal interference.”
Ighodalo reportedly stayed calm during the confrontation and reminded the security personnel of the seriousness of their actions.
He pointed out that the EFCC and Nigerian security agencies should not be manipulated for political purposes to derail justice. He also emphasized that the witnesses were not hiding and had not been issued any summons to appear before authorities prior to the attempted arrest.
An official from the hotel, said to be owned by a prominent politician in the state, explained that the operatives claimed they were investigating a matter but insisted that the person they were seeking was not a guest at the hotel.
The situation escalated when the operatives entered the conference room, which led to further commotion.
Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary for the State Caretaker Committee, condemned the actions, describing them as disgraceful.
He accused the EFCC of targeting PDP witnesses in a politically motivated effort to disrupt the tribunal proceedings.
“It is shameful that the Edo State government has allowed its power to be misused in this way,” Nehikhare said.
However, a government representative denied any involvement, stating, “This has nothing to do with the state government, and the PDP’s claims are unfounded.”
In response to an inquiry, an EFCC official also denied the agency’s involvement, saying, “I don’t think this was the EFCC.”
READ ALSO:
- House of Reps deputy chief whip, Adewunmi Onanuga, is dead
- Wike named 2024 THISDAY, Arise TV Minister of the Year
- Media Rights Agenda Accuses FG of Undermining FOI Act
- CHAN 2024: Home Eagles Drawn Senegal, Sudan, Congo In Group D
- TikTok prepares for full shutdown in US as ban deadline looms
