An Abuja High Court has restrained the police in Imo from inviting and arresting the House of Reps member-elect, Ideato Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ugochinyere; former Governor Emeka Ihedioha and former Deputy governor, Gerald Irona.
The court in a ruling delivered by Justice A.S. Adepoju set aside the police invitation letter dated March 13, 2023 sent to Ugochinyere, Ihedioha and Irona.
Ruling in the suit between Ugochinyere and seven respondents including the governor of Imo State, State Security Services, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Imo State, Ebubeagu Security Network and the Deputy Inspector General in charge of Federal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau; the court stated: “It is hereby ordered that the letter dated March 13, 2023, titled “INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES- RE: CASE OF MURDER(SIC), KIDNAPPING AND ARSON” be set aside pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”
The court further held that “the respondents are restrained whether by themselves, agents, officers, staff, privies or howsoever described from giving any effect, carrying out, proceeding with, arresting, further inviting or taking any other steps in furtherance of or in connection with the said letter of invitation dated March 13, 2023, as it affects the applicant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to April 4, 2023 for hearing.
Recall that in a letter addressed to the Imo state chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Charles Ugwu, the Police had invited the applicant and others in connection to what it called the investigation into a case of murder, kidnapping and arson.
By the ruling of the court, the Imo state police command which has been accused by Ugochinyere of complicity in the multiple attacks on his person and his home.
The reps member-elect also said the police has refused to conduct any form of investigation into the said attacks.
CHECKPOINTCHARLEY 