Chukwudi Eke Mba, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechuckwu Emetu, has refuted claims that Kalu Mba Nwoke, representing Ohafia South constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, was kidnapped on Saturday.
Eke Mba clarified that the Labour Party lawmaker was arrested for allegedly storming the Ohafia local government secretariat in Ebem with a group of thugs, allegedly attempting to intimidate voters and seize electoral materials.
This statement was issued in response to comments by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Etigwe Uwa, who alleged that Nwoke was unlawfully detained, assaulted, and removed on election day.
Uwa also suggested that security forces acted on orders from Deputy Governor Emetu.
However, the Chief Press Secretary denied any involvement by the Deputy Governor, explaining, “Going by what transpired, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke intimidated the electorates he is representing by invading the local government Secretariat with over 50 thugs and forcefully trying to hijack electoral materials during its distribution to various wards.
“His arrest was lawful as he was trying to obstruct the electoral process which is a criminal offense.”
Eke Mba further stated that no cases of kidnapping of political opponents occurred in Ohafia before or during the election.
According to Daily Post, Nwoke, a well-known grassroots politician, was released by the police on Sunday.