The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has raised the alarm over the alleged criminal activities of some police officers attached to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja.
The PDP has accused the IRT team of exceeding their authority, alleging that they carry AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons while harassing and arresting party chieftains across the state.
In a statement by the Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity of the PDP Campaign Council for the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, Rev. Olu Martins, the party said the police officers are led by one CSP Ibrahim Angbasa.
The party wants the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, and the State's Commissioner of Police to look into the issue, saying there is every reason to believe that they are working for one of the opposition political party in the state.
The statement reads: “The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, and the State's Commissioner of Police to look into the case of some suspected rogue policemen from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja who are believed to have been paid huge sums by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to harass, attack and kidnap PDP chieftains across the three (3) senatorial districts of the State.
“These suspected rogue mufti-wearing police officers led by CSP Ibrahim Angbasa have been operating outside the scope of their job, carrying AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, harassing and arresting PDP chieftains across the state.
“Since they began their sinister operations, they have arrested Hon. Kingsley Osahon, the Counselor Representing Ward 10, in Esan North East Local Government Area of the state, and a few other people who we currently don't have their details.
"We are also aware that they have a long list of major PDP chieftains across the state’s three senatorial districts who they are planning to abduct for the political purpose of weakening the PDP ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election slated for September 21, 2024.
“Some names believed to be on this list include the Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Area (LGA), Dr. Kelly Inedegbor, among others, whose identities have yet to be confirmed.
“We are calling on the Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 5, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and other security agencies to step in and stop these harassments by this suspected band of rogue police operatives believed to be on illegal duty.
“The Edo State PDP is calling for a stop to all forms of intimidation and devious plots to silence our party leaders, as no amount of threat will hinder the defeat that awaits the APC in the September 21st governorship election.”
