Operatives of the Nigeria Police have arrested and grilled the traditional ruler (Onojie) of Uromi, His Royal Highness, Zaiki Aselm Aidenojie in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State for alleged kidnapping in the State.
Aidenojie was a Guest at the Irrua Area Command of Nigeria Police on Monday June 10, 2024, when a policeman was arrested in connection with a fatal kidnapping.
Footages of violent protest by youths blocked the entrance, staged bonfire, calling out the traditional ruler to submit himself to the police for interrogation, hit the Internet on Monday June 10th 2024.
The traditional ruler who denied any link with the recent kidnapping in the area, was however released on bail by the police statement was obtained under caution.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye said at a Press briefing at the State Police headquarters in Benin City on Tuesday June 11, 2024, stated that a traditional ruler was involved in the incident.
He said the shameful act, led to a protest by the residents of the Community the previous day.
The police boss also confirmed the arrest of the traditional ruler and police officer in connection with the crime, noted that the Cop’s fate would finally be decided by the IGP after undergoing orderly room trial and necessary investigation.
The CP Adegboye, vigilantes and hunters in the area engaged a kidnapping gang in a shootout while attempting to kidnap a driver and passengers.
According to him, “We got wind of the officer who has been mentioned by the arrested kidnapper. As I am talking to you, some youths are on the street protesting the involvement of indegins – maybe a traditional ruler or whatever – in cases of kidnapping in the area.
“We are not taking it with a pinch of salt. The case is under discreet investigation, and whoever is involved will be dealt with according to the law of the land,” he said.
The police would make their findings known to the public”, he assured.
The State Government had said that some traditional rulers were among the mastermind of January 7, 2023 Igueben Train Station attack in Igueben Local Government Area of the State.
20 train passengers and and two Nigerian Railway Corporation staff were kidnapped and later rescued by security agents.
The Police Command thereafter charged eight suspects, including two Igueben traditional ruler and five others arrested in connection with the crime to court within the jurisdiction of the crime.
The court document indicated that the police charged the suspects; Ibadin Hamilton, Ighoko Odion and Okojie Ewa
for criminal conspiracy and kidnapping.
Others are Okie Patrick, Friday Ighedujiemu, Halilu Umaru, Aminu Ibrahim, and Isah Aliyu for the same offence.
January 17, 2023, charge sheet was filed by the Legal Section State Criminal Investigation Department, Police Headquarters, Benin City, reports said.
One of the traditional rulers arraigned in connection with that incident, died few months later after he was released on bail.
TheNewspad recalls that Aidenojie, was earlier suspended the then Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole for assaulting a married woman during Edo 2026 Governorship election.
The outgoing Governor of the State, Mr Godwin Obaseki however reinstated him, following the intervention of some citizens in the State.
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