Edo Govt condemns arrest of Pa Iduoriyekemwen

The Edo State Government has welcomed the release of 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen by the Nigeria Police, while expressing strong reservations over the manner of his arrest in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initial report that the nonagenarian had been abducted was later clarified to be an arrest following a petition allegedly filed by some members of Amagba Community.

Afegbua, however, condemned the circumstances surrounding the arrest, describing the early-morning apprehension of the aged and fragile man as unacceptable.

According to him, Pa Iduoriyekemwen, at 90, could have been invited by the police to respond to the issues raised in the petition rather than being arrested around 4am.

He said: “Whatever be the motive, arresting a 90-year-old and fragile man at 4am in such gestapo manner was a no-no for us.”

The Commissioner stressed that Governor Monday Okpebholo remained committed to the rule of law and due process, noting that his administration had consistently approached issues through lawful and established procedures.

Afegbua cautioned against the politicisation of minor disputes in the state, saying such tendencies could unnecessarily inflame passions and create narratives capable of undermining the government.

He said Edo people must continue to treat their elders with respect and decorum, describing such values as essential to building a decent and responsible society.

The Commissioner also urged security agencies to adopt appropriate and humane methods when handling petitions involving elderly persons and other vulnerable members of society.

On the land dispute reportedly linked to the matter, Afegbua said land ownership and acquisition must strictly follow the processes established by the Edo State Government.

He noted that the Okpebholo administration was undertaking reforms aimed at strengthening land administration, documentation and due process in the state.

Afegbua warned that anyone who attempted to abuse the land administration process, regardless of status or position, would face the full weight of the law.

He called on all parties to respect due process and allow relevant authorities to resolve disputes within the framework of the law, stressing that Edo State deserved narratives anchored on decency, fairness and common sense.

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