The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC has arrested and is investigating the Chairman of Oju Local Government Council of Benue State, Hon. Jackson Ikala and Paramount Ruler of Oju, His Royal Highness Dr. Augustine E. Ogbu for assault, threat to life, defamation of the Commission`s officials and obstruction of the officers in their official duty.
The two persons mobilized hoodlums and some officials of the Oju Local Government Council to pursue the three officials of the ICPC who were in Oju LGA on official assignment. The hoodlums and thugs who referred to the officials as hired assassins and armed robbers pursued them with dangerous weapons and threatened to lynch them. But our operatives escaped unharmed.
In addition, the chairman of Oju Local Government mischievously misled the DPO of Oju Division of the Nigeria Police to arrest and detain one Mr. Armstrong who was helping the officers with their investigation. Mr Armstrong was later transferred to the State CID Makurdi where he was detained along with his lawyer, Barrister Adikwu in connection with their alleged procurement of assassins and armed robbers (ICPC Officials) to the Local Government Council.
The State CID detained the lawyer and Mr Armstrong up to Saturday 22nd October, 2011 when they were finally granted bail.
Investigations are ongoing at the end of which the Chairman, the Paramount Ruler and their collaborators among the Local Government Council staff would be charged to court.
Signed: Mike Sowe
Head, Public Enlightenment Department