JUST IN: Police confirm arrest of LP Chairman, Abure

Edo Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Labour Party (LP) National Chairman, Barr Julius Abure in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force Zone 5, Tijani Momoh, said the arrest follows a petition against him over alleged assault, molestation, and illegal possession of firearms.

TRIBUNE ONLINE gathered Abure was in Benin City for the Edo LP Governorship primaries scheduled to hold on Friday, February 23 for nomination of the party’s candidate for the September 21 polls.

He said, “I wish to confirm the arrest of the factional chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure and four others.

“It has to do with a written petition that was endorsed by the AIG Zone 5 from the office of the Inspector General of Police.”

He said an allegation of attempted murder was levelled against Abure. “There are video clips, recordings of the petitioner being assaulted, being beaten when he came home last year to conduct ward matters,” Momoh said.

“It is a case of attempted murder, conspiracy, illegal possession of arms and other related offences.

“They were also in possession of firearms; a short gun and three rounds of ammunition.

“Investigation is ongoing. They were just arrested today. More details will be provided later,” the police spokesperson added.

As at press time, the LP is yet to react to the development.