Men of the Nigeria Police Force
Men of the Ebonyi State Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) on Wednesday arrested a local government council chairman in the state (name withheld) over alleged gun running and related cult activities, ahead of Saturday’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congresses.
Leadership reports that the Council boss was arrested in connection with some allegations ranging from his alleged involvement in cultism and other attacks and maiming of people since he assumed office.
The suspect was said to be in company of some other young men suspected to be members of a secret cult group at the time of his arrest.
It was also gathered that two AK 47 rifles and one empty magazine were recovered from suspects.
Other items allegedly recovered from the suspects included one local made pistol that uses AK 47 ammunition, two pump action rifle and one double barrel gun.
Meanwhile when contacted, the State Commander Anti Robbery/Cult Squad, Mr. Daniel Peter declined comments on the matter and said he was not permitted to speak on the incident and directed our reporter to meet the State Police Public Relations Officer.
“In a case like this, I am not permitted to give you any information, you can get any information you want from the PPRO, he is the right person to brief you as a journalist because even as we speak, I don’t even know you but when you get to PPRO, you will get all the information you want”.
Though the Ebonyi State police Spokesman, George Okafor said he was not aware of the arrest as at press time, information from the SARS office, Abakaliki revealed that the council boss was picked early on Wednesday morning in his residence where arms and ammunition were allegedly recovered.
Worried by the increasing rate of cult activities in the state, the State Governor, Chief David Umahi through the State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator Emmanuel Onwe had on Monday directed the Senior Special Assistant on Internal Security, Hon Ali Odefa to work with security agencies to stop the ugly trend.
According to the Governor, two council areas in the state have recorded high rate of cult activities which resulted in killing, maiming of innocent citizens of the areas.
The House of Assembly similarly also set up a committee to look into the incessant cult related killings in Abakaliki capital and other towns of the state.
According to Leadership, sources close to the State Police Headquarters revealed that the arrest of the council boss may not be unconnected with the directive of the state Governor and the recommendations of the State House of Assembly.