Why we arrested LP national chairman, Abure – Police

• Momoh told journalists that the arrest of Abure and four others was necessitated by a petition written against them

More details have emerged regarding the arrest of Labour Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure by the police.

Within Nigeria had earlier reported that the embattled chairman was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Confirming the development, the police said Abure was arrested for attempted murder illegal possession of firearms, and related offences.

Spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force Zone 5, Tijani Momoh, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen on the development in Abuja.

Momoh told journalists that the arrest of Abure and four others was necessitated by a petition written against them by a petitioner whose identity he did not divulge.

He also stated that there was a video showing Abure assaulting the petitioner when he was attending to political matters in his ward last year.

He added that investigation had begun and the public would be updated as events unfolded.

He 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.”

He said an allegation of attempted murder was levelled against Abure. “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.

“Investigation is ongoing. They were just arrested today. More details will be provided later,” the police spokesman added

Abure’s arrest is coming at a time he is trying to wriggle out of a political quicksand and amid effort to shore up his reputation and consolidate his position as chairman of the party as allegations of financial impropriety and embezzlement of over N3 billion against him continue to dominate public discourse.

Recall that Oluchi Oparah, the now suspended National Treasure, had accused Abure of misappropriation of N3.5bn raised through nomination form sales and fundraising activities leading up to the 2023 general elections.