By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly has constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Engr. Sunny Oche, over allegations of operating an illegal detention camp in the council area.
The decision followed a petition by the Ezza-Ezekuna community, accusing persons linked to the chairman of running an illegal cell.
The petition, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director of the Department of State Services, was also copied to the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Lami Danladi Ogenyi, who represents Ado Constituency.
Presenting the petition on the floor of the House, the Deputy Speaker alleged that her constituents in Ezza have been living in fear due to increasing cases of kidnapping and other crimes allegedly carried out by youths believed to be loyal to the LG chairman.
The Assembly resolved to set up a committee to probe the matter and suggested that the chairman step aside to allow for an impartial investigation, with the Leader of the Ado Legislative Council taking over in an acting capacity.
The motion also urged network providers to halt payments to private accounts other than the council’s official account with UBA Igumale branch and to provide records of past transactions.
It further directed the police to re-arrest suspects allegedly freed on the orders of the chairman and arraign them in court.
But, in reaction, Engr. Oche denied the allegations, stating that no illegal detention facility exists in Ado LGA.
The Ado council chairman while acknowledging awareness of the petition, said he had honoured the Assembly’s invitation and was cleared of wrongdoing in previous investigations, including alleged financial impropriety.
