The Edo State Police Command has summoned Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate for the September 21, 2024 election, and the Edo Chairman of LP, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, in connection with the violence that occurred last Friday at the Ugbowo main campus of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
According to Chidi Nwabuzor, spokesperson for the command, Akpata and Ogbaloi are requested to engage with investigators at the political desk section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at the command’s headquarters in Benin.
Ogbaloi, who accompanied Akpata to his alma mater, UNIBEN, for his investiture by the university’s Senior Staff Club, confirmed the police’s invitation but emphasized that the incident was Akpata’s private matter and unrelated to the LP.
“Akpata is our governorship candidate, but UNIBEN invited him to honour him on a personal note,” Ogbaloi stated.
“I did not sign surety of his safety there. I do not know why the police are also inviting me and to come with Akpata,” he added.
Despite being away from Benin when the police’s invitation was received, Ogbaloi noted that he intended to honour it.
The management of UNIBEN had strongly condemned the violence during Akpata’s visit, establishing a committee to investigate the incident.
Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, UNIBEN’s spokesperson, emphasized the institution’s stance against such violent acts, declaring them unacceptable.
