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Nigeria: Reported Abduction of Witnesses in Kogi Governorship Election Petition Case in Abuja

Nigeria: Reported Abduction of Witnesses in Kogi Governorship Election Petition Case in Abuja

Redaction Africa Links 24 with Legit.ng
Published on 2024-02-27 13:57:49

An emerging report has confirmed the abduction of witnesses of the Action Alliance (AA) candidate in the Kogi gubernatorial election tribunal. These witnesses were allegedly kidnapped in Abuja, as reported by the AA candidate, Olayinka Braihmoh. However, the spokesperson for the FCT police command, Josephine Adeh, stated that she was not aware of the incident.

A group of suspected armed political thugs abducted five individuals who were set to testify for the opposition Action Alliance (AA) during the ongoing Kogi State Governorship election petition tribunal. The kidnapped individuals were intended to provide testimony supporting the petition filed by Olayinka Braihmoh, the Action Alliance candidate, concerning the November 11th, 2023 off-cycle election.

Witnesses were taken from the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, where the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal meets. The witnesses were allegedly mistreated, and their families were intimidated for speaking out about electoral misconduct during the 2023 election. Barimoh stated that other witnesses remain missing, and vehicles transporting them to court were damaged by the assailants.

As of the latest update, four individuals affected by the incident were rescued by the Police, with one currently located at the State CID Lokoja. Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, mentioned that the Command does not know about the reported assault.

At the time of this report, there has been no update on the whereabouts of the abducted witnesses, and the police are yet to issue an official statement. It is a concerning situation and a violation of the rights of these individuals to be kidnapped and prevented from testifying in a legal proceeding.

In another report, a lady has been sent to Kirikiri correctional centre for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Ajah, Lagos state. Benjamin Hundeyin, the state police spokesperson, confirmed the development on Tuesday, February 27, via a statement. Hundeyin shared further details on the assault and also a video that showed clearly how the woman handled the officer in uniform.

The abduction of witnesses in the Kogi gubernatorial election tribunal is a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly. It is essential for the authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly, ensure the safety of the witnesses, and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. Such incidents undermine the democratic process and the rule of law.

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