Edo election: Police accused of bias for failing to arrest APC chieftain despite IGP’s order
The Edo Democracy Movement (EDM) has raised serious allegations against the Nigeria Police Force, accusing it of partisanship and selective law enforcement ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The EDM’s outrage centres around the police’s failure to arrest Blessing Agbomhere, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Supernumerary Chief Superintendent of Police (SPY), despite a direct order from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for his arrest.
Agbomhere was filmed threatening Governor Godwin Obaseki in a viral video, raising concerns over escalating tensions ahead of the election.
In a statement sent to journalists on Thursday, September 19, the Edo Democracy Movement criticized the police’s inaction, labelling it as “selective enforcement of the law.”
The statement, signed by Omoregbe Osayiuwa, EDM’s coordinator, read, “The failure to arrest Blessing Agbomhere for his dangerous and inflammatory statements against Governor Obaseki sends a clear message to the people of Edo that the police are biased towards the APC and cannot be trusted to ensure a fair election.”
The EDM specifically accused the police of acting swiftly against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters while turning a blind eye to APC figures.
“PDP members have been picked up across Edo State and bundled off to Abuja without arrest warrants or being charged in court.
“Yet, despite clear evidence against Agbomhere, the police have looked away,” the statement claimed.
The group also pointed to the violence that erupted on Airport Road, where APC thugs allegedly under the command of Philip Shaibu, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, attacked residents, resulting in the tragic death of a police officer.
“Till this day, no arrests have been made, and the police have not held the perpetrators accountable,” the statement noted.
The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to act immediately, calling for Agbomhere’s arrest and a public parade to demonstrate that the law applies equally to all.
“Arrest Blessing Agbomhere immediately for his dangerous and inflammatory statements against Governor Obaseki. Parade him publicly to demonstrate that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation,” the group stated.
The EDM concluded with a warning: “Failure to arrest and prosecute Agbomhere will confirm that the Nigeria Police Force is compromised and working to further the interests of the APC, rather than upholding the rule of law and ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election.”
As the election draws near, all eyes are now on the police to see if they will act on the IGP’s order and ensure that law enforcement remains impartial in this high-stakes political contest.
In a related development, the Esan Advancement Group, a civil society organization, has issued a public statement defending the PDP chairman in Edo State, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi
In an open letter addressed to the Presidency, the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Security, the group vehemently refuted allegations circulating in the media that Dr Aziegbemi accused the Presidency and the NSA of plotting to manipulate the forthcoming elections.
The group’s leader, Kio Eromosele, stated, “This baseless accusation is part of a larger effort to discredit Dr Aziegbemi, framing him as a political villain in the lead-up to the elections. These attacks are aimed at undermining his leadership and weakening the PDP’s electoral chances.”
