Police Arrest Governor Udom's Aide

There is tension and anxiety in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, following the ‘arrest’ of Ime Uwah, the special assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on marketing and brand management.

Reports has it that some police officers believing to be working for the federal government invaded Uwah’s home on Monday, February 22. The officers who arrived late at night in a Hiace bus were allegedly detailed from Lagos to arrest the governor’s aide over allegations that he kept weapons, ammunition and police uniforms on his farm ahead of the rerun election in the state. The officers revealed that they were acting on an anonymous petition.

According to a source, the trouble started when the officers searched Uwah’s farm but refused to release the governor’s aide, insisting he would be taken to Lagos to have his statement documented. Following the raid on Uwah’s farm, supporters of the state governor have barricaded the police command in Uyo, where the matter is being investigated.

 Another source said that the governor’s supporters are determined to stop the police from taking Uwah to anywhere outside the state. The source noted that there is the likelihood of violence if the police act otherwise.

In September 2015 the Department of State Security raided the Akwa Ibom government house over the same allegation of weapons and ammunition. However, the DSS is yet to comment or make any arrest since the said raid.

Meanwhile; when contacted, the Akwa Ibom State’s Police Public Relations officer, ASP Cordelia Nwawe told our correspondent that she is not aware of such arrest, that she has not been “briefed” thus, not in position to make any comment.