Police arrest local government chief over alleged violence in Edo

Police officers in Edo have arrested the Chairman of Esan West Local Government in the state, Collins Aigbogun, over alleged political violence in the area.

The state’s Police Commissioner, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, confirmed the arrests to reporters on Tuesday in Benin.

He said Aigbogun had been transferred to Abuja by the Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) over the matter.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that Aigbogun was involved in political violence in Illeh community in the area.

Edwin-Iwo said Aigbogun was taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on Monday by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area following a police invitation.

He said: “Yes, he was invited and he reported himself to the police and then we found out that he had other criminal charges against him.

“What happened was that he assaulted someone during an argument between him and another party member.

“He was invited and the DPO in the area took him to the State CID, where it was learned that previously, he had other charges against him.

“Our officer from FID came and said that the person had been previously wanted and now they needed to bring him in so they could investigate the matter.

“That is how he was transferred to Abuja.

“Everything is under investigation, and I hope that if in the end no one is found guilty, he will be brought back to Benin.”

On the command’s readiness for the September 21 gubernatorial election in the state, the CP warned non-state actors to stay away from the election.

“We will create an environment that allows elections to be held freely and fairly, and create a conducive environment so that anyone can freely carry out their activities without any interference or intimidation.

“I want to reiterate, as the KPU has done before, that non-state actors are not allowed to carry weapons and are not part of the election at all.

“So, all we’re doing now before the election is making sure that we clean up as many illegal guns as we can.

“This operation is still ongoing and I have officers in almost all local government areas now,” he added.

Police arrest local government chairman over alleged violence in Edo first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.