By TINA TIMOTHY

Mazi Godwin Kanu Idei, the rival Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom in Abia State, has related his ordeal in Abia Police custody where he was detained after his arrest on Friday January 5, 2024.

In a press release on Wednesday, January 10 titled “Appreciation Message To All Umu Aro and Friends of Arochukwu Kingdom Worldwide,” Mazi Dr Agodi Kanu who signed the statement, related that over 60 gun wielding police officers invaded the palace on the day of Idei’s arrest, “held everyone hostage for over four hours” and eventually whisked him away, an action that adversely affected his mother’s health.

The statement reads: "On Friday, 5^thJanuary 2024 the Palace of Eze Aro, His Majesty Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke was besieged by gun-wielding stern looking men of the Nigeria Police Force with over ten trucks and numbering over 60 personnel.

“Their presence unsettled the entire Kingdom as everyone was held hostage within the Palace for over four hours, which promptly affected the King’s mother and her health. They served His Majesty an arrest warrant obtained from Abia State Magistrate Court bordering on alleged felony, impersonation and engaging in acts capable of breaching existing peace in the Kingdom and insisted on whisking him to Abia State Police Command, Umuahia.”

According to the statement, despite wilfully following the law enforcement agents for a 2-hour journey to Umuahia and complying with all formalities, the delay in attending to his matter and the stringent bail conditions he was given made it impossible to secure Idei’s release until the matter was charged to court on Monday January 8 and the court “promptly granted him bail on self-recognition”, adding that “his alleged crimes are his peaceful online New Year Day message and the colourful Grand Reception Nde Aro accorded him on 29^thDecember 2023.”

The statement continues, ”His Majesty wilfully followed them in the company of tens of Aro volunteers/subjects on a two-hour drive to Umuahia. They reported to the office of the Commissioner of Police at Bende Road but spent about five hours before he could be attended to, which stretched into Saturday morning. He was moved to the State Criminal and Investigation Department (SCID) at Uzuakoli road. Over the night, he was made to read a petition authored by one, Mr. Paul Ogubunka, the Abia State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice representing Governor Alex Otti government. His Majesty did justice to the spurious petition by responding to each of the allegations and was subsequently remanded.

“All efforts to bail him on Saturday proved abortive due to the stringent bail conditions. When the information came on Saturday night about the decision to charge him to court on Monday, he promptly obliged and relaxed at the SCID. He was in high spirit and exhumed confidence till Monday morning when he was arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court, Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia. The court, after necessary processes, promptly granted him bail on self-recognition with a suretee on liberal terms. The matter was adjourned for commencement of trial at a later date. His alleged crimes are his peaceful online New Year Day message shared in various platforms where he even prayed for the Governor and the colourful Grand Reception Nde Aro accorded him on 29^thDecember 2023.”

While commending those who stood by Idei during his days in police custody and welcomed him home when he was released, Kanu further stated that though court hearing on the matter was adjourned to a later date, Idei was willing to go through the ordeal in order to liberate “his subjects and Arochukwu Kingdom from the shackles of oppression and tyrannical dispositions.”

“For His Majesty Eze Godwin Kanu Idei Kanu Okoro Oke, it was a journey he took for the liberation of his subjects and Arochukwu Kingdom from the shackles of oppression and tyrannical dispositions. He dedicated the dividends of the court ruling to Umu Aro despite the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma he passed through. For the abuses, humiliation, threats and oppression, he counted them all for joy for the peace loving Arochukwu people as he bears no grudges if that is the price, he must pay for the liberation of Arochukwu from emerging scenarios.

“The unanticipated euphoria and reception that heralded his triumphant arrival by the 19 villages led by Eze IbomIsii and Eze Ezeagwu who trekked more than two kilometres with him was unprecedented. The joy was unrivalled, and the atmosphere and ambiance of Arochukwu portrayed nothing but joy and love.

“Eze Aro wishes to acknowledge the individual and group sacrifices made by family, friends, Nde Eze, Opinion leaders, Clergy, Youths, Children, Vendors, even those behind his travails during the period of his incarceration through prayers, vigils, calls to aides, visits, supports and various volunteers. A good number of Umu Aro stayed with him all through at the Police Station, but he must mention his dear cousin brother, the immediate past Arianzu,Prince Obioha Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro, our committed Royal Media Team who related with the world and indeed everyone. No sacrifice is too big for you, for us, and for all.

“I am out of the cell for now, but my trial for the alleged offenses will continue, and I am ready and willing to stand the trial. Let’s put the ugly experiences behind us and forge ahead with determination and commitment to change the Arochukwu narrative with governments at all levels and critical stakeholders. We shall activate our EHATS policy for practical expression in our beloved Kingdom. The distractions will never deter us by the Special Grace of God. We need fervent prayers to God, and we must keep praying for governments at all levels, especially for our dear son and Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti and Arochukwu LGA Mayor,” the statement continues.

In conclusion, Kanu on behalf of Idei, called on all Aro sons and daughters as well as friends of Aro to join hands in the transformation of Arochukwu Kingdom.

“Dear Umu Aro and friends of Aro, surely, this storm must be over; the darkness and weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning. This is the morning of Arochukwu for a great beginning.

Once more, everyone matters in the transformation of Aro.Be part of it.

“Long Live Arochukwu Kingdom, let love reign, and may God grant us our heart desires in Jesus’ name” he added.