Kogi State Police Command has confirmed attack on the Secretary of Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that led to the stealing of copies of the Governorship Election Petition meant for Tribunal which was filed by SDP Governorship candidate’s team of lawyers.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Spokesperson, William Ovye Aya and sent to CAPITAL POST in Lokoja, explained that the Tribunal Secretary, David Umar Mike and two of the Tribunal Staff were attacked by gun men yet to be identified and copies of petition by the SDP and other political parties filed at the Tribunal were seized and stolen.
The Police said, the victims who left their Hotel Rooms on way to Court were waylaid and attacked and the to immediately came to the State Command to Lodge a complaint.
The statement read: “On Monday 04/12/2023 at about 1820hrs one Mr David Umar Mike ‘m’ Secretary to Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal along with Labode Apreala (f) Confidential Secretary and Hassimu Adamu Assistant Secretary, came to State Criminal Investigation Department, Kogi State Police Headquarters and reported that on the said date three of them left their Hotel rooms in Lokoja about 1300hrs heading to their Office at the High Court Complex driving in his (David’s) Peugeot 406 Car.
“That just before the CBN at about 1320hrs one SUV vehicle which had earlier overtaken him blocked his car with two other SUVS following behind.
“All of them surrounded and blocked him as he attempted to reverse. That he saw about seven hooded men all heavily armed and dressed in black attire who shot severally into the air and dragged him and his two other colleagues out of their car, ransacked the car and made away with all the documents including Petitions filed by four (4) Parties namely Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP)/two (2) Record Books/a Bag containing his personal items. He claimed to have also reported to the DSS Office.
“Hence a thorough and diligent investigation into the incident has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command.”
The Police Command said, it frowned at misleading reports on some media platforms that trailed the stolen petition and advised the general public to desist from action that was capable of derailing investigation.
The Police said, it forward to tips that would assist in unravelling criminal elements behind the attack.
“The attention of the Kogi State Police Command has been drawn to series of distorted information on the incident hence the need to set the records straight.
“The general public is advised to avoid statements that may prejudice ongoing investigation into the matter.
“The Command also appeals to anyone with useful information on the alleged incident to provide same to the Command. The public will be updated as investigation progresses.”
