BREAKING: Why We Arrested Labour Party Chairman, Julius Abure, Police Open Up

• Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), was arrested by police officers in Benin City, the Edo state capital
• Obiora Ifoh, LP's spokesperson, said Abure was arrested following a petition written against him by a faction of the party
• The police issued their own statement and stated that it was a case of attempted murder, conspiracy, and illegal possession of arms, among other offences allegedly committed by the LP No.1 official

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics

Benin City, Edo state - The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said Julius Abure, the Labour Party (LP) national chairman, was arrested for attempted murder illegal possession of firearms, and related offences.

As reported by Channels Television, the spokesperson for the NPF Zone 5, Tijani Momoh, disclosed that Abure was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, February 21, in Benin City, the Edo state capital.

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The police official noted that Abure and four others were arrested over a petition written against them by a petitioner whose name he did not mention.

The police spokesman said:

“I wish to confirm the arrest of the factional chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure and four others.

“It has to do with a written petition that was endorsed by the AIG Zone 5 from the office of the Inspector General of Police.

“There are video clips, recordings of the petitioner being assaulted, being beaten when he came home last year to conduct ward matters,” Momoh said.

“It is a case of attempted murder, conspiracy, illegal possession of arms and other related offences.

“They were also in possession of firearms; a short gun and three rounds of ammunition.

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“Investigation is ongoing. They were just arrested today. More details will be provided later."

Watch Momoh's interview below:

Nigerians react to Julius Abure's arrest

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians on social media are reacting to Abure's arrest.

Many wondered what could have led to the public embarrassment of the LP chieftain.

More to read about Julius Abure:

• Julius Abure: Labour Party breaks silence on N3.5 billion scandal
• N3.5 billion scandal: Labour Party chairman Abure told to account for funds from US
• LP crisis: Peter Obi's party told to suspend national chairman, Abure

Protest erupts in Benin over Abure

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that protesters besieged the Zone 5 headquarters of the police command in Benin city over Abure's arrest.

Also arrested was the state chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi.

In a statement signed by Obiora Ifoh, the LP's spokesperson, the opposition party said its supporters are displeased with the arrest of Messrs Abure and Ogbaloi.

Source: Legit.ng