Labour Party chairman, Abure, others released after spending hours in police custody

Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, and other party members arrested in Benin City yesterday have been released.

It was gathered that Abure was released on Wednesday night on bail.

Recall that Abure and the Edo state chairman of the party, Mr Kelly Ogbaloi were arrested by a combined team of police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS.

The arrest followed a petition by the LP Youth Leader, Comrade Eragbe Anselm Aphimia, who is reportedly loyal to the factional chairman of the party, Lamidi Apapa.

The youth leader petitioned the CP alleging that he was attacked by some party members in December 2023.

Abure was forcefully arrested barely 48 hours to the party’s primary election ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial polls in the state.

Addressing supporters on Thursday morning, Abure said, “let me thank all of you for your solidarity and support. We have been facing several battles since the last election ended.

“Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the primaries and the police swamped on us, arrested us, over what I will not discuss now because investigation is still going on.

“I must, however, state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail.”