The Edo State Police Command has apprehended Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), in Benin, Edo State.
The arrest took place prior to the LP’s upcoming governorship primary scheduled for Friday. The news of Abure’s arrest triggered a wave of protest as a large crowd swarmed the Zone 5 headquarters of the Police Command in Benin City. Authorities set up a blockade to prevent the crowd from entering the police station. Shedding light on the situation, Tijani Momoh, the police spokesperson, stated that Abure’s arrest was in connection with a petition filed against him.
According to Momoh, “Access to the premises is temporarily restricted. Yes, the Labour Party National Chairman is currently in custody due to a petition forwarded to this office by the Inspector General of Police. The petitioner submitted video evidence and recordings depicting an alleged assault and physical harm inflicted upon him during a previous incident related to local party affairs. The charges against Abure include attempted murder, conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, and other associated offenses. Furthermore, a shotgun and three rounds of ammunition were seized from their possession. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course.”
It is worth noting that Abure has been embroiled in disputes with certain party members within the state, who have accused him of substituting candidates for the forthcoming 2023 general elections. Abure vehemently denies these allegations.