IGP Egbetokun lauded for releasing Benue chiefs detained over false abduction allegation
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has received commendation for ordering the release of three traditional rulers who were recently detained in connection with a false kidnapping allegation in Benue State.
The traditional chiefs—Isaac Ebilima, Igwe Linus, and Daniel Nweze—were detained at the AIG Zone 4 headquarters in Makurdi following a petition by the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Lami Danladi Ogenyi.
The petition accused the chiefs and the Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government, Engineer Oche Sunday Oche, of operating an illegal detention facility in the Obioye area of the local government.
However, following a full-scale investigation ordered by IGP Egbetokun, the allegations were found to be baseless.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. John Onazi, the Ado Descendants Union (Ondo State Chapter) praised the IGP for his professionalism and swift action in clearing the air.
The group commended the Nigeria Police Force for exposing the falsehood behind the accusations and for respecting the rights of the traditional leaders.
A police special investigation team, led by CSP Mannase Orhena from the IGP’s office in Abuja, visited Ado Local Government on Sunday as residents of the community categorically denied the existence of any illegal detention facility.
They clarified that the location described in the petition was, in fact, a public market and a Catholic Church where people freely gather to trade and worship.
Following the field investigation and a detailed briefing to the IGP on Monday, Egbetokun ordered the immediate release of the detained chiefs.
The incident has drawn attention to the misuse of petitions to intimidate community leaders and highlights the importance of due diligence in law enforcement processes.
