ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
A former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha has said his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, was arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He, however, said the IGP was deceived by his successor, Hope Uzodinma.
Nwosu was arrested in a commando-style during a church service at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Eziama Obieri in the Nkwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Okorocha who briefed journalists at his Spilbat mansion in Owerri, the state capital, said the policemen who carried out the operation, pushed his wife, Nkechi, down and tore the clothes of his first daughter, Uloma.
He accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of deceiving the inspector General of Police into desecrating the church of worship by arresting Nwosu.
Okorocha, who now represents Imo West at the senate, said the state governor wants to frame Nwosu.
Okorocha said though, the commissioner of police in the state, Rabiu Hussaini, had confirmed that Nwosu was being held in police custody, he had yet to establish contact with his son-in-law since he was arrested.
He said, “Uche Nwosu, my wife and daughter were at the church for an outing service, when a group of men in police uniform while the sermon was ongoing, started shooting. In the course of their activities, they pushed down my wife and they tore my daughter’s clothes. No warrant of arrest. No invitation. We suspected kidnapping at first. Many people were injured while running. Uche Nwosu was dragged into a bus carrying Imo state government number.
“They were identified as policemen from Imo state government house by their colleagues attached to Uche for the burial. I got CP who said that IGP approved his arrest.
“The shock of such arrest without warrant and humiliating members of my family is unfortunate. Most security operatives in Imo know nothing about the arrest. I don’t know what they framed up. IGP could only do this on a high level misinformation from Hope Uzodinma. Over one hundred gunshots to arrest Uche Nwosu. What kind of ruthless behavior on an innocent citizen of Nigeria.
“Hope Uzodinma has shown tremendous heat to me and members of my family. Lawmakers who attended the burial were suspended. I am waiting to hear the offence of Uche Nwosu. Recall that Hope Uzodinma said he is going to name sponsors of insecurity in Imo state on January 3. I know he has nothing to offer other than to cook up a story. The last time he ordered my arrest and one security officer ordered me to enter the pickup vehicle.
“Uzodinma wants to frame me up by all means. Uzodinma has to answer for most of the activities going on. Uzodinma must mention the names of those who are responsible for insecurity in Imo state or he should be held responsible for all the killings in the state. Uzodinma has framed up something against Uche Nwosu. Buhari should be informed about what is happening in Imo state. Hundreds of citizens are being killed in this state.
“What is happening in Imo state is underreported. What is happening in Imo state is bad. How come it is only Abuja and Imo state government house that know about the arrest. Everybody knows that Uche Nwosu can’t hurt an ant. I want to know the reason for the attack on a church. Why Uche Nwosu should be treated like a criminal; Imo state government should provide answers immediately. You can’t govern people by intimidation.”
