The Nigeria Police Force has said that a factional chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, was arrested for attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and other related offences.

The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force Zone 5, Tijani Momoh, said that Abure was arrested on Wednesday afternoon in Benin City.

Momoh informed reporters that Abure and four other people had been detained due to a petition that was submitted against them.

He said: “I wish to confirm the arrest of the factional chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, and four others.

“It has to do with a written petition that was endorsed by the AIG Zone 5 from the office of the Inspector General of Police.”

He said an allegation of attempted murder was levelled against Abure.

Momoh said: “There are video clips, recordings of the petitioner being assaulted, being beaten when he came home last year to conduct ward matters.

“It is a case of attempted murder, conspiracy, illegal possession of arms and other related offences. They were also in possession of firearms; a short gun and three rounds of ammunition. Investigation is ongoing. They were just arrested today. More details will be provided later.”

Malroux:
I'm not holding brief for Abure but why should the police refer to him as a factional chairman of labour party, even when he has been declared the authentic chairman of the party by the court?