The Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Lami Danladi-Ogenyi, has accused the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Sunday Oche, of overseeing an illegal detention cell in Ezza community, describing it as a grave threat to public safety.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday, Danladi-Ogenyi claimed that the facility, allegedly operated by political loyalists under the council chairman’s watch, had instilled fear in the community. She disclosed that residents of Ezza—her constituency—had already petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) over the matter.
“In my capacity, I raised a motion before the House calling for the suspension of the chairman and deputy chairman to allow an independent investigation,” she said. “If the council’s chief security officer becomes the chief operator of a criminal gang, the entire area could be consumed by these evil acts.”
According to the motion, the Leader of the Ado Local Government Legislative Council should serve in acting capacity during the suspension. She also proposed that all financial transactions be routed strictly through the local government’s official account with UBA, Igumale branch, and urged police to re-arrest suspects allegedly released on the chairman’s orders for prosecution.
The House has since constituted an ad hoc committee to probe the allegations.
In response, Chairman Sunday Oche denied the existence of any detention cell or unlawful group in the area, insisting the accusations were politically motivated.
“Yes, some chiefs were arrested in connection with a petition but were released after investigation at Zone 4 Police Headquarters, Makurdi,” Oche said. He confirmed receiving an invitation from the Assembly over the allegations, including financial impropriety, but claimed the committee found no wrongdoing.
Oche added that since taking office in October 2024, he had faced more than 18 petitions, saying, “I just received another petition again now.”
This development has deepened political tension in Ado LGA, with residents awaiting the outcome of the Assembly’s investigation.
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