The Edo State Government has accused impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu of moblising the thugs that caused mayhem Thursday at the entrance of the Benin City airport leading to the death of a policeman, Inspector Onu Akon attached to the All-Progressives Congress governorship candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, made the accusation during a press briefing Friday in Benin City. He said Shaibu after obtaining judgement reinstating him as deputy govern mobilised armed thugs. He added that Commissioner of Police in the state, Funsho Adegboye, was a witness to what happened at the Benin Airport.
“The thugs unleashed mayhem on the innocent people of Edo State and in the process a Police officer was killed, and many others were injured.
“The state Commissioner of Police had intelligence report and went to the airport to caution Shaibu not to allow his boys to assemble at the airport or anywhere in the state. He defied the advice.
“We had appealed the judgement reinstating him as the deputy governor and filled stay of execution immediately we got Certified True Copy (CTC) and he was shown the restraining order from the court.”
Nehikhare called on the commissioner of police to arrest Philip Shaibu, noting that as it stands today, he is no longer the deputy governor and has no immunity.
“We are now calling on the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to look into the crisis.
“The whole thing happened in the presence of the commissioner of police, and he is one of the witnesses,” he added.
Meanwhile Senator Monday Okpebholo, has demanded justice for Inspector Akon.
In his condolence message to the family of the deceased, Okpebholo demanded justice for the police orderly, saying the perpetrators of the unprovoked brutal attack must be charged.
He also dismissed report by the Edo State earlier that APC was responsible for the attack.
Okpebholo said Shaibu was with him and some of his supporters were also injured.
“I will not rest until the perpetrators of the unprovoked brutal attack on him leading to the cruel and violent killing of Inspector Akon are brought to justice.
“I empathise with the injured members of his convoy, who are receiving treatments in various hospitals in Benin City,” he said.
