Edo Government Chides Police Over Gestapo-like Arrest of 90 Year-old Father of ADC South Senatorial Candidate

               Pa Iduoriyekemwen 
Hendrix Oliomogbe 

The Edo State Government has chided the police for the Gestapo like arrest of Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, 90, father of Mr. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Edo South in the 2027 general elections 

The senior Iduoriyekemwen was whisked away from his residence in Amagba, suburban Benin City, by armed policemen, who claimed to have acted on the orders of the Edo State Police Commissioner, following a petition by some local residents over gunrunng and violence, at about 4am.

A statement in Benin City by Prince Kassim Afegbua, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy said that whatever be the motive, arresting a 90 year old and fragile man at 4am is a no-no for the state government government. 

Prince Afegbua said that Governor Monday Okpebholo is law abiding and his approach to issues often follows due process and rule of law. 

The Edo State Government spokesman emphasized that at 90, the nonagenarian should have been invited to answer to issues raised in the petition, instead of storming his residence in wee hours. 

The commissioner however cautioned against some Edo politicians, with a penchant for readily igniting passion over little issues and politicising them in an attempt to blackmail the government. 

Prince Afegbua emphasized: "We treat our elders with respect and decorum as a way to deepen our emotional intelligence in driving our governance agenda.

"People should respect the rule of law and due process to drive narratives that place Edo State at the epicentre of decency and common sense. We implore the security agencies to apply the best of methods and approaches in dealing with petitions and issues that require clarification."

The commissioner continued: "Land ownership and acquisition must follow the pattern laid out by the government of Edo State, in line with Governor Okpebholo's ongoing reforms to strengthen processes and documentations in the administration of lands. 

"Anyone who tries to abuse the process, no matter how highly placed, will naturally face the full wrath of the law."