Airport violence: Edo Govt calls for Philip Shaibu’s arrest

The Edo State government has called for the arrest and prosecution of reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu following his alleged involvement in a violent incident at the Benin Airport on Thursday, which resulted in the death of a police inspector.

Philip Shaibu, who had just returned from Abuja on a chartered flight following a court judgment reinstating him as deputy governor, was accompanied by the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and a group of supporters.

Upon his arrival, gunmen reportedly opened fire on the crowd along Airport Road, resulting in the death of Inspector Akor Onu, a police office assigned to Senator Okpebholo.

Addressing the press today, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, held Shaibu and the APC responsible for the mayhem.

Nehikhare called for a federal investigation to determine the cause of the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the police officer’s death.

He alleged that the opposition party intended to draw federal attention and create an impression of anarchy in the state.

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“Shaibu got judgment and flew into Benin with his friends and before entering Benin, he mobilized armed thugs to wait for him at the Benin Airport.

“And on arrival, they unleashed mayhem on the innocent people of Edo state, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to many others,” Nehikhare stated.

He further alleged that the state commissioner of police had intelligence about the potential for violence and cautioned Shaibu against allowing his supporters to assemble, advice which Shaibu allegedly ignored.

Nehikhare mentioned that the state government had appealed the judgment reinstating Shaibu and had filed a stay of execution.

“The CP should be arresting him because, as it stands today, he is not the deputy governor and has no immunity. We are calling on the Federal government and the Inspector-General of Police to look into the crisis.

“The whole thing happened in the presence of the commissioner of police, and he is one of the witnesses,” Nehikhare added.