Okpebholo’s associate held over alleged assault on police officer in Edo

A political associate of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has been taken into custody by the police following allegations that he assaulted an officer carrying out official duties in Benin City.

The suspect, Kelly Okungbowa, widely known as Ebo Stone, was arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command after the incident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday along the Upper Sakponba corridor in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

According to sources, the police officer was on lawful duty when a confrontation allegedly broke out between him and Okungbowa. The situation reportedly escalated, leading to claims that the officer was physically attacked.

Confirming the arrest on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the suspect remains in custody and will face prosecution.

She reiterated the command’s position that every citizen is subject to the law and urged residents to accord law enforcement personnel the respect required while they carry out their responsibilities.

“Everyone should respect police officers doing their lawful duties. No one is above the law,” Ikoedem stated.

Reacting to the development, President of the Talakawas Rights Group, Kola Edokpayi, criticised the alleged attack, describing it as unacceptable.

Edokpayi praised the officers involved for maintaining professionalism despite the circumstances, saying their conduct reflected discipline and restraint in the face of provocation.

He stressed that police officers, as public servants entrusted with protecting lives and property, should be treated with respect. He added that complaints against security personnel should be pursued through recognised complaint and disciplinary channels rather than through direct confrontation.

The rights advocate further argued that, given Okungbowa’s status and connections within government circles, any concerns about police conduct could have been reported through official mechanisms instead of engaging in a confrontation with armed officers.