A High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory has set aside the police letter of invitation sent to member-elect for Ideato Federal Constituency, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, dated 13th March, 2023.
In a ruling dated 24th March, 2023 between Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu 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 DIG in charge of FIIB, the court stated thus: “It is hereby ordered that the letter dated 13th March, 2023 with Reference No. AR3000/ims/dfa/sib/vol.1/58 titled –“INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES- RE: CASE OF MUDER(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 13th March, 2023 as it affects the applicant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”
In the letter addressed to the Imo State Chairman of PDP, Chief Charles Ugwu, the Commissioner of Police had invited former Governor Emeka Ihedioha; former Deputy Governor Gerald Irona and Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere in connection with what it called investigation into a case of murder, kidnapping and arson.
Many still wonder why the police which had failed to conduct an investigation into the deadly attack on the country home of Mr. Ugochinyere, which claimed multiple lives including his uncle and left over thirty-two vehicles, houses burnt, should be inviting the victim for investigation into an undisclosed case, instead of inviting the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
Not a few had alleged that the invitation by the police was politically motivated and suggests that the governor seems to be desperately trying to suppress opposition in the state by arresting and detaining all opposition leaders to enable him win the House of Assembly election held on 18th March, 2023 and so pave way for his governorship election in November using scare tactics.
This opinion is predicated on the fact that the invitation was sent through the State Chairman of the PDP when they know that the trio are not officers or agents of the PDP or Chief Charles Ugwu for that matter.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to 4th April, 2023 for hearing.
