10th September, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Collins Aigbogun, has been arrested for alleged political violence.
The State Police Commissioner, CP, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, who confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, said that the council boss was brought to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Command in Benin by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area after police invitation.
Recall that the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged political violence that erupted in Illeh community, Esan West Local Government Area. The party claimed that the council boss was be responsible for the alleged violence.
Edwin-Iwo said that upon arriving at the office of the CID, Collin Aigbogun was discovered to have earlier been wanted by the police over other alleged criminal charges.
He said: “He was invited and he reported himself to the police and we later discovered that he has other criminal charges against him.
“Basically, what happened was that he brutalises somebody in the course of altercations between himself and other party members.
“He was invited and the DPO in the area brought him to the State CID where it was discovered earlier before now, he had other charges against him.
“Our men from FID came and said that the man has earlier been wanted and there was now need for them to take him along so that they can investigate his matter.
“That was how he was moved to Abuja. The whole thing is being investigated and I hope that at the end of the day, if there is anything against him, he will be brought back to Benin,” he disclosed
Meanwhile, the State chairman of ALGON, Newman Ugiagbe, who condemned Collins Aigbogun’s arrest on Tuesday, describing it as a clear violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
He said: “It is disheartening to note that the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be resorting to violence and intimidation tactics, including unwarranted attacks on PDP members.
“Such unprovoked assaults must be addressed swiftly to prevent further harm and ensure a free and fair electoral process.”
Ugiagbe therefore called on the State Commissioner of Police, AIG Zone 5, the Attorney-General and other concerned agencies to take immediate action in investigating and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
He also called on all stakeholders, political parties, and security agencies to work together to safeguard the rights and safety of all citizens during the governorship election in the State.
“We urge the authorities to prioritize the investigation of this assault and hold the culprits accountable for their actions. Violence has no place in our democratic society, and we must all strive to uphold the principles of justice and equality for the benefit of all, and we demand the immediate release of Hon. Collins Aigbogun, Chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, who is the complainant but suddenly being victimized by the police from Force Headquarters in Abuja,”Ugiagbe added.
Responding, the Director of Media, APC Campaigns Council, Prince Kassim Afegbua, expressed shock over to ALGON’s allegation.
He said that the APC had been raising the alarm on a regular basis about the criminal activities of some PDP stalwarts with nobody paying attention.
“He said: We are shocked that ALGON is raising concern on an issue that has to do with criminal assault on Edo voters who are legitimately carrying out their responsibility. Why did ALGON not react to the attacks on our supporters and bonafide Edo voters?
“We have been raising alarm on a regular basis about the criminal activities of some PDP stalwarts, nobody seems to listen to our cries until we petitioned the Inspector-General of Police. Everybody can see exactly what we have been saying.
“Ekpoma was becoming a theatre of war with cake of crimson. That is no longer politics but sheer intimidation, harassment and outright threats. That is an uncivilised way to do politics.
“Political engagement should be healthy, robust and constructive, and not war, war. You saw the injuries inflicted on our supporters in Ekpoma and environs. You saw the attacks on our campaigns in Ekperi, Ososo and Ekpoma.
“We do not wish to resort to self help. We appreciate the security agencies for acting in proper time to arrest the lawlessness that the Local Government Chairman has thrust upon the people in Ekpoma and even Igueben.
“We are for peace and tranquility. We are saying, no blood, no cries and no killings. Tell ALGON to promote peaceful elections so that the people will come out to exercise their franchise without molestation, let or hindrance,” Afegbua said.