Posted by The claimed appeal to arrest Igbo vendors in the state’s Ultra-Modern Swali market has prompted action from Paul Omata, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 16 headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
AIG Omata informed the Igbo businessmen that he will investigate the situation and put an end to the arrests after receiving their leadership in his office. He also issued an order to cease any additional arrests of Igbo traders.
The market mistress, a woman named Mrs. Mildred Egele, detained the Igbo businessmen at Swali market after she allegedly protested against the chairman and all of the Igbo traders at the market in a petition she had drafted.
Mr. Jude Osigwe, chairman of the Igbo traders in Swali Ultra-Modern market, informed LEADERSHIP Sunday that he was kidnapped on March 17, 2024, by undercover police officers from Zone 16 in a tinted Hilux.
The officers were not wearing police uniforms and did not have a warrant of arrest when they demanded that he get inside the vehicle.
In an effort to muster the guts to inquire, “Who are you people?” he spoke up. Since the police had forbidden me from making calls, the public was searching for me.
After 24 hours of searching and no one could reach me, they began to complain after my lawyer informed them that they had seen a petition sent to Zone 16 by Mildred Egele via the Trade and Investment office.
It was a nonviolent demonstration that began because of that. Unexpectedly, she proceeded to pen yet another petition demanding that everyone be arrested. That is why we have come to meet with the AIG responsible for Zone 16.
After the AIG became involved, he immediately sought to halt the arrest and instructed the IPO to take the necessary steps. So that he can get to the bottom of things and fix it, he has also extended an invitation to Mildred and myself. We are incredibly appreciative.