Edo condemns 4am arrest of 90-year-old father of ADC senatorial candidate

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

The Edo State Government has condemned the alleged “Gestapo-like” arrest of 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, father of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Edo South, Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.

Pa Iduoriyekemwen was reportedly taken from his residence in Amagba, a suburb of Benin City, by armed policemen at about 4am.

The police were said to have acted on the orders of the Edo State Commissioner of Police following a petition by residents alleging gunrunning and violence.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, described the manner of the arrest as unacceptable, saying a 90-year-old and fragile man should not have been taken from his home at such an hour.

Afegbua, in a statement, said Governor Monday Okpebholo remained a law-abiding governor whose approach to issues was guided by due process and the rule of law.

He said the elderly man could have been invited to respond to the allegations contained in the petition instead of having armed policemen storm his residence in the early hours of the morning.

A close source, however, disclosed that the petition was said to border on alleged illegal sale of land and land grabbing involving Pa Iduoriyekemwen, an elder in Amagba. The commissioner cautioned some Edo politicians against what he described as a penchant for “readily igniting passion over little issues and politicising them” in an attempt to blackmail the government.

Afegbua said the government respected elders and would continue to promote decency and respect for due process in the state.

He said: “We treat our elders with respect and decorum as a way to deepen our emotional intelligence in driving our governance agenda.

“People should respect the rule of law and due process to drive narratives that place Edo State at the epicentre of decency and common sense.

“We implore the security agencies to apply the best of methods and approaches in dealing with petitions and issues that require clarification.”

On the land-related allegations, Afegbua said land ownership and acquisition must comply with procedures established by the Edo State Government.

He added that the state government’s ongoing reforms were aimed at strengthening processes and documentation in land administration.

He warned: “Anyone who tries to abuse the process, no matter how highly placed, will naturally face the full wrath of the law.”

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