The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and subsequent release of Mr. Ceekay Igara, National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the Labour Party (LP), following a petition filed by the party's acting state Chairman, Emmanuel Nwaeze Oti.
According to ASP Maureen Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer, Igara was taken into custody in Aba on Saturday while meeting with his faction members. The petition alleged "obtaining by false pretence, impersonation, and conducts likely to cause breach of peace".
Igara was released after providing a statement, and investigations are ongoing. The Abia LP members aligned with national chairman Julius Abure initially suspected the state government's involvement in Igara's arrest. However, Emmanuel Nwaeze-Otti clarified that his faction wrote the petition leading to Igara's arrest.
Nwaeze-Otti stated, "Mr. Igara's arrest stems from a petition we wrote to the Police against him and others over their acts of Extortion and Impersonation of the State chapter of the party." He emphasized that Igara, having been elected South East National Vice Chairman in March, no longer had the constitutional right to claim the state chairman's office.
This development highlights the internal conflicts within the Labour Party, with factions vying for control. The police have pledged to investigate the allegations thoroughly, ensuring that justice is served.
In related news, Labour Party's national chairman, Julius Abure, was recently arrested in Edo State on allegations of premeditated attempted murder and other infractions. The party has faced internal power struggles, with multiple arrests and counter-accusations.