Edo govt slams police over arrest of 90-year-old father of ADC south senatorial candidate

The Edo State Government has slammed the police over the “Gestapo-like” arrest of Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, 90, father of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Edo South, Mr Mathew Iduoriyekemwen.

The elderly Iduoriyekemwen was reportedly whisked away from his residence in Amagba, a suburb of Benin City, by armed policemen around 4am.

The officers said they acted on the orders of the Edo State Police Commissioner following a petition by residents alleging gunrunning and violence.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said that whatever the motive, the arrest of a 90-year-old and fragile man from his home at 4am was unacceptable to the state government.

Prince Afegbua said that Governor Monday Okpebholo is law-abiding and his approach to issues often follows due process and rule of law.

The Edo State Government spokesman emphasised that at 90, the nonagenarian should have been invited to answer to issues raised in the petition, instead of storming his residence in the wee hours.

A close source disclosed that the petition borders on illegal sale of land and allegations of land grabbing levelled against Pa Iduoriyekemwen, an elder at Amagba, by the complainants.

The commissioner, however, cautioned against some Edo politicians with a penchant for readily igniting passion over little issues and politicising them in an attempt to blackmail the government.

Prince Afegbua emphasised: “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.”

The commissioner continued: “Land ownership and acquisition must follow the pattern laid out by the government of Edo State, in line with Governor Okpebholo’s ongoing reforms to strengthen processes and documentation in the administration of lands.

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