Edward Irigha-Brigidi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, has been released from custody shortly after being apprehended by the police, News About Nigeria reports.
The Minority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly was arrested over the weekend by members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the Nigeria Police Force in Yenagoa, the state capital. The arrest took place in the Azikoro area.
According to reports, the SWAT detectives, who had arrived from Abuja, acted on a petition filed against the lawmaker.
However, recent updates confirm that Irigha-Brigidi, who represents Nembe Constituency II on the APC platform, was freed while being transported to Abuja.
The Bayelsa State Government, along with some of his political associates and traditional rulers, intervened to secure his release.
After his release, Irigha-Brigidi addressed the situation, stating, “I was arrested based on allegations made by those who are unhappy with my strong support for my constituents who entrusted me with their mandate.”
He further added, “The police requested to search my residences at Opu-Nembe and Yenagoa, but they released me immediately after finding no incriminating evidence, contradicting the claims made in the petition that led to my arrest.”
The Bayelsa APC lawmaker believes that his politically motivated arrest was orchestrated by desperate politicians who aim to silence him.
However, he expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Police Command for handling the situation with professionalism.
“I have been released and reunited with my family by the grace of God. I urge my constituents and the people of Opu-Nembe to remain calm, peaceful, and continue their daily activities,” Irigha-Brigidi affirmed, as reported by News About Nigeria.
