A popular transporter and community leader in Anambra State has been arrested and detained by the dreaded Ocha Brigade, the State’s Government security outfit popularly called Obiano Police.

Mr. Chijioke Okoli, President of Anambra Patriotic Citizens Forum and Managing Director of the popular Ekwulobia Mass Transit, was said to have been hunted by Ocha Brigade for refusing to allow the security outfit take over the running of Ekwulobia Motor Park.

Speaking to journalists in Awka on Wednesday, the Secretary General and Legal Adviser of Anambra Patriotic Citizens Forum, Mr. Tony Anazor, described as despicable the attempt by Ocha Brigade to use governmental powers to witch-hunt genuine supporters of Governor Willie Obiano like Mr. Okoli.

He stressed that the plot to arrest Chijioke Okoli was hatched by the leadership of Ocha Brigade to forcefully take over a park previously run by his late brother, Chief Obi Okoli, who was the founder of Ekwulobia Mass Transit.

Anazor said: “Some unscrupulous elements started plotting to take over the management of Ekwulobia Park from Chijioke Okoli after the death of his brother.

“It was the intervention of Governor Obiano that nipped their devilish plot in the bud, hence their unfounded allegation and subsequent petition to the Commander of Ocha Brigade alleging that he was selling fake tickets to motorists at Ekwulobia to defraud government, whereas he was carrying out his legitimate duty as the authorised government park manager and agent.

“Chijioke Okoli is a man of impeccable character who cannot soil his hands in shady deals.”

Anazor further said that the petition allegedly written by Ohanaeze Mass Transit in the area contained a lot of falsehood aimed at deliberately discrediting Okoli in a bid to take over the management of Ekwulobia Park.

While commending the Nigeria Police Force for the way it is handling the matter, he called on Governor Obiano to intervene in the matter to ensure it does not spiral out of control.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.

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