Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, News About Nigeria reports.
Abure’s arrest is based on allegations of premeditated attempted murder and other infractions, following a petition filed by the LP Youth Leader, Comrade Eragbe Anselm Aphimia.
In the petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, and dated February 13, Comrade Eragbe Anselm detailed the events leading to the alleged act of violence against him on December 29, 2023.
According to the petitioner, an official 5-member delegation, authorised by the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, had arrived in Benin City for organisational activities, including congresses and the sale of nomination forms.
Upon arrival at Benin City Airport, he was received by Mrs. Mary Okheime Newberry, who claimed to represent unnamed ‘stakeholders’ providing transportation and accommodation.
“On December 28, 2023, I flew into Benin City Airport around 2 p.m. as part of an official 5-member delegation authorised by the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Alhaji Lamidi Basiru Apapa.
“Our mission was to organise ward, LGA, and state congresses in Edo State, as well as supervise the sale of nomination forms for various posts, as mandated by INEC guidelines, within the stipulated time frames.
“On arrival at the Benin Airport, I was received by one Mrs Mary Okheime Newberry, who falsely claimed to be providing transportation and accommodation on behalf of unnamed ‘stakeholders’.
The delegation was lodged at Smart Homes Hotel, where a man named Austin Emeka later purportedly picked up Comrade Eragbe Anselm and a colleague, Mr. Patrick Anethua, for a meeting.
However, instead of taking them to the meeting venue, they were allegedly violently attacked just outside the hotel gates by a waiting mob.
