Edo Election Tribunal: PDP accuses security operatives of attempting to arrest key witnesses

The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday accused security operatives of attempting to arrest one of the party’s key witnesses ahead of the resumed sitting of the Governorship Election Tribunal on Wednesday.

A viral video showed Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s candidate in the September 21 election, alongside his lead counsel, Ken Mozia, and other party members.

In the footage, a plainclothes security operative appeared to be trying to detain a witness, but the action was thwarted by those present.

According to a party member seen in the video, Ighodalo and his team were discussing preparations for the tribunal’s upcoming public hearing when the arrest attempt occurred in a hotel conference room.

The individual claimed that one of the security operatives mentioned that the EFCC was seeking to arrest Ighodalo’s witnesses, who were expected to appear in court the following day.

The source further stated, “They had no official papers, no warrant for arrest—just an identity card. Who acts like that? This is nothing short of blatant criminal behavior.”

Ighodalo was reportedly calm and attempted to explain to the operatives the serious nature of their actions. He emphasized that the Nigerian Security Services and the EFCC should not be used as political tools to undermine justice.

He also pointed out that these witnesses had not been formally summoned or asked to report to any authorities prior to the incident.

A hotel official, reportedly connected to a prominent politician, explained that the operatives had claimed to be conducting an investigation and asserted that the person they were looking for was not staying at the hotel.

The situation escalated when the operatives entered the hotel’s conference hall, causing further confusion.

Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the State Caretaker Committee, condemned the act, calling it disgraceful. He accused the EFCC of targeting PDP witnesses in an attempt to undermine the party’s case. “It is disgraceful that the Edo State government has descended to this level, with state powers seemingly being used to enforce the will of political thugs,” Nehikhare said.

However, a government official dismissed the PDP’s claims, stating that the incident had no connection to the state government. “The PDP is involving us in a matter that does not concern the state government,” the official said.

In response to an inquiry, an EFCC official denied involvement, stating, “I don’t think it’s the EFCC.”