The Caretaker Chairman of Gboko Local Government Council in Benue State, Abraham Agber, has been apprehended by security operatives from Force Headquarters, Abuja, on charges related to an alleged assassination plot against the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
Reports indicate that Agber was taken into custody at Winika Hotel in Gboko last Friday around 11 pm and subsequently transferred to Makurdi before being moved to Abuja. The arrest was conducted in connection with an alleged conspiracy to assassinate Speaker Dajoh.
Despite inquiries, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue State Police Command, SP Sewuese Anene, claimed not to be aware of the purported plot and the subsequent arrest of the council chairman.
Nevertheless, Speaker Aondona Dajoh confirmed the attempt on his life and revealed that he learned of the plot only after Agber was taken in for questioning. He stated that the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, was briefed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the governor approved the arrest.
The Speaker clarified that he had been informed of an intelligence report from the Force Headquarters about the threat to his life. He emphasized that the Governor and the IGP were both aware of the situation, and he did not initiate any complaint against the council chairman.
The Speaker mentioned an alleged phone conversation involving Agber that prompted the intervention of the IGP and Governor. He acknowledged that he would be traveling to Abuja on Thursday in response to the IGP’s invitation.
Responding to claims that he ordered Agber’s arrest, the Speaker questioned the authority of a Speaker to unilaterally order the arrest of a council chairman without the Governor’s consent. He highlighted the significance of the Governor’s approval, emphasizing that such an arrest wouldn’t occur without serious reasons.
The situation remains under investigation, with the Speaker expecting to travel to Abuja for further discussions with the IGP and relevant authorities.
