By CHRISTIAN OGBONNA

The Ebonyi governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof Benard Odoh, said on Monday that he has secured a court order to stop his arrest by the police.

The police had declared Odoh wanted in connection with the alleged killing of Mr Igboke Ewa, a traditional ruler in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the deceased who was the Ewa of Omege Village, Umuezeokaoha, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi and Chairman of Ezza Traditional Rulers, was murdered at his palace on Feb. 27.

The Police Command in the state, had earlier on Monday in a statement, declared Odoh and nine other suspects wanted over the alleged killing.

Odoh however said the allegations against him were false, malicious, baseless and spurious.

The APGA gubernatorial candidate added that he had already obtained an Order from the High Court, Owerri which stopped the police from arresting him.

According to him, the court in suit No: HOW/194/2023, dated March 3, restrained the police and other security agencies from harassing or arresting him until the matter brought before it is determined.

He said that the court order had been copied to the Inspector General of Police (I-G) and other security agencies.

“The I-G upon being served the said order stopped all actions in the matter, as mark of respect for the court,” he claimed.

Odoh therefore said that the statement declaring him wanted, as issued by the Police Command in Ebonyi, was contrary to the order of court.

“I am not on the run and cannot be said to be on the run for any reason whatsoever, but pursuing and seeking the resolution of the false and misleading allegations brought against me through legal and peaceful means.

“The allegations are politically-motivated and intended to undermine my chances of winning this Saturday’s Governorship election in Ebonyi,” he added.

He urged his supporters to discountenance the police statement and remain calm, focused and resolute in the task of winning the forthcoming election. (NAN)

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