The Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Hon. Tajudeen Alade, has denied claims of his impeachment and revealed that he has petitioned the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over an alleged invasion of his office by suspected thugs.
Speaking on Monday, Alade described the purported impeachment as a sham and alleged that the intruders attempted to forcefully take over his office. He confirmed that his petition had been sent to the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG Zone 5), the Edo State Commissioner of Police, and the Area Command in Igarra, yet no action has been taken.
A letter from his legal counsel, C. O. Osemeilu Law Firm, detailed the incident, naming about ten individuals allegedly involved in the invasion. According to the petition, the assailants ransacked Alade’s office, stealing personal items, including a desktop computer, four laptops, and other belongings.
The letter stated:
“Our client informed us that someone called him from the office that the aforementioned individuals, along with other unknown hoodlums, stormed the Akoko-Edo Local Government Council Secretariat. They climbed to the first floor, destroyed the locks on two doors leading to our client’s office, gained entrance, and carted away several items, including a desktop computer, laptops, and personal belongings, along with an undisclosed sum of money.”
Alade added that intelligence reports from the DSS had previously warned of a planned attack, prompting the Area Commander to instruct the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to deploy officers to secure the council. However, the chairman alleged that the DPO later claimed his men were overwhelmed by the crowd.
Video footage from the incident reportedly showed officers standing by as the looting took place.
Alade has called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the invasion and bring those involved to justice. He also urged them to question all individuals mentioned in his petition to ensure accountability.
