By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Abia State Police Command has arrested Professor Anthony Agbazuere, former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.

Agbazuere was also the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election.

He is presently being held at the Commissioner of Police's Office in Bende Road, Umuahia the state capital.

According to information, he was arrested while preparing to honour the invitation of the Panel on Recovery of Government Properties set up by the current Abia State Government.

It was gathered that the ex-Chief of Staff had also filed a suit at theFederal High Court over the harassment and intimidation by the Panel over a Prado Jeep issued to him by the past government of Okezie Ikpeazu.

Recall that the panel had two weeks ago through its chairman, Justice Florence Doruoha-Igwe (Rtd) issued a BenchWarrant on Agbazuere for his failure to appear before the panel.

Further information regarding his arrest stated that Agbazuere’s warrant was due to his failure to testify over a Toyota Hilux Land Cruiser allegedly in his possession since leaving office.

Justice Doruoha-Igwe (Rtd) adjourned the matter to January 24, 2024, directing Agbazuere’s arrest and production for further cross-examination.

Confirming the development to our Correspondent from Unuahia, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, said: “The Abia state police command got a warrant of arrest from the judicial panel of inquiry on the Recovery of government properties funds and related matters.

“The warrant was executed this morning by the command and he has been handedto the panel”, she concluded.