Benin City, Edo State – In a significant development, the police have released Hon. Collins Aigbogun, the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, along with nine other individuals who were previously arrested. This follows their detention in “connection with alleged political violence and other criminal charges”.
Hon. Aigbogun and the others were initially detained after being linked to political unrest in the Illeh community, Esan West Local Government Area. The arrest, confirmed by the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, had sparked widespread reactions and concerns among political stakeholders in the state.
The police clarified that the arrests were part of a broader investigation into the gruesome murder of a police officer, as well as other criminal activities. However, after thorough investigations, the police have decided to release Hon. Aigbogun and the nine others, and declared them innocent.
The release has been met with relief by supporters and members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who had earlier raised alarms over what they described as targeted arrests of their leaders by the opposition23. The PDP had accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using security agencies to intimidate their members ahead of the upcoming governorship election on September 21.
As the state prepares for the election, the police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a free and fair process. The Commissioner of Police has urged all political actors to maintain peace and avoid any actions that could disrupt the electoral process.
