admin
Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, former Commissioner for Foreign Affairs in Imo State under Governor Hope Uzodinma, has alleged that there was a plot to assassinate him during his controversial arrest and transfer from Abuja to Owerri in 2023.
Speaking in a telephone conversation, Ihekweme detailed his 62-day detention ordeal and accused the Imo State Police Command of acting as “willing tools” in a politically motivated scheme.
Ihekweme revealed that his arrest in Abuja was orchestrated by Imo State police officers who tracked him through his driver after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command refused to enforce the warrant. “Senior officers involved in my arrest were flown back to Imo, while I was forced into a vehicle with nine policemen for a risky road journey,” he said.
The former commissioner claimed he grew suspicious during the trip due to repeated calls from an officer identified as “Shaba.” “I insisted we stop in Lokoja overnight. That decision saved my life,” he stated, implying that an ambush awaited him further along the route.
Ihekweme, who marked his birthday during incarceration, described his detention as traumatic. “I wouldn’t wish this for my worst enemy. I thank God and Imo citizens for their prayers,” he said, though he declined to specify the charges against him.
His wife previously alleged that a prominent Okigwe-born politician masterminded the arrest—a claim the unnamed individual has yet to publicly address.
The ex-commissioner accused the Imo police of violating protocol by bypassing FCT authorities. “Why was the FCT Command excluded? Why the rush to transport me by road despite security risks?” he questioned, suggesting collusion to silence him.
While the Imo State Police Command has not responded to these allegations, the case has reignited concerns about political weaponization of security agencies in the state.
