A High Court sitting in Abuja has set aside the invitation by the police in Imo State to a former governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha, a former deputy governor of the state, Gerald Irona and the House of representatives member- elect, Ugochinyere Imo.
The police had on March 13, invited the trio over investigation bordering on murder, kidnap and arson cases.
But 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, “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.”
By this ruling of the Court, the Imo state Police Command which had been accused by the member elect for its complicity in the multiple attacks on his person and his home and for failing to conduct any form of investigation has been stopped in this fresh move to arrest Mr. Ugochinyere.
In the letter addressed to the Imo State Chairman of PDP Chief Charles Ugwu, the Commissioner of Police invited former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Governor Gerald Irona and House of Representatives member elect, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere in connection to what it called investigation into a case of Murder, Kidnapping and Arson.
