Days before the Labour Party’s primary election for the Governorship race in Edo State, Mr. Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the party, was arrested by operatives of the Zone 5 headquarters of the Nigeria Police.
The arrest followed a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), alleging conspiracy and causing bodily harm, among other charges, filed by a faction within the party.
The incident occurred in Benin, and the News Agency of Nigeria revealed that a crowd, presumed to be supporters of Abure, gathered at the premises’ gate. However, only select party officials were permitted to enter and join the national president of the party.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zone, Tijani Momoh, disclosed that Abure’s arrest was based on a written petition alleging conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, causing grievous hurt, and behavior likely to incite a breach of peace. The petition was forwarded to the Zone’s office from the Inspector-General’s office.
Momoh further stated that there was a directive not to allow anyone into the premises, and while Abure was present, it was uncertain whether he was being detained or simply providing a statement.
