Ebonyi Police had declared the APGA governorship candidate wanted over a petition brought against him by some members of his family.
By Jeffrey Agbo
A High Court 1 in Abakaliki has restrained the police from arresting Prof Benard Odoh, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi over the alleged murder of Umuezeokoha Traditional Ruler, Igboke Ewa.
The traditional ruler was murdered at his palace on February 27.
The court also ordered the police to first do a thorough and independent investigation into the complaint.
Justice Elvis Ngene, in his judgement on the matter in Abakaliki on Friday, restrained the police from arresting Odoh.
According to Ngene, “I hereby direct the second and third respondents to thoroughly investigate the allegation levelled against the first respondent and others.
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“If he or they are found culpable of the alleged murder, such persons should be arrested.”
Ebonyi Police had declared the APGA governorship candidate wanted over a petition brought against him by some members of his family.
Counsel to Odoh, C. K. Okorie (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the application.
Counsel to the bereaved family, Chinedu Igboke, told journalists that he would appeal the ruling on the matter.
The matter was brought before the High Court by the son of the traditional ruler, Collins Igboke, against the Ebonyi APGA governorship candidate, Commissioner of Police, and the Inspector General of Police.