Lawmaker was not kidnapped but was arrested by Police operatives – Deputy Governor – Crime Channels
Lawmaker was not kidnapped but was arrested by Police operatives – Deputy Governor
The Chief Press Secretary to Abia State’s Deputy Governor, Chukwudi Eke Mba, has vehemently denied claims that Kalu Mba Nwoke, the member representing Ohafia South in the Abia State House of Assembly, was kidnapped on Saturday.
Eke Mba clarified that the Labour Party lawmaker was not abducted but was instead arrested for his involvement in an alleged attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
In a statement responding to accusations made by prominent lawyer Etigwe Uwa (SAN), Eke Mba explained that Nwoke was detained for allegedly leading a group of thugs into the Ohafia Local Government Secretariat in Ebem, with the intention of intimidating voters and hijacking electoral materials.
Uwa had previously accused security forces of unlawfully detaining the legislator, claiming that Nwoke was beaten and taken away on election day under the direction of the Deputy Governor.
Eke Mba, however, rejected the allegations, insisting that Nwoke’s arrest was entirely legal.
He emphasised that the lawmaker’s actions, which included attempting to forcibly seize electoral materials, violated the law and warranted detention. “Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke’s actions were a direct obstruction of the electoral process, a criminal offense,” the CPS stated.
He further refuted claims of any political abductions, asserting that there were no instances of kidnapping during the election period in Ohafia.
Reports indicate that Nwoke, a well-known grassroots politician, was released from police custody on Sunday, after his arrest during the election-related incident.
