Lagos APC frustrating trial of political thugs – PDP

Toluwani Eniola

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to take over the prosecution of arrested gunmen who confessed to be members of the All Progressives Congress in the last election.
The PDP, in a statement issued by its state Publicity Secretary, Gani Taofik, on Thursday, alleged that APC chieftains were trying to compromise the prosecution of the gunmen.
Two weeks ago, a self-confessed cultist, Muhideen Ibrahim, 29, who was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command, had said he conveyed guns to APC campaign venues during the 2015 electioneering on the Lagos Island.
Ibrahim, who hails from Kwara State, added that he took two pump-action rifles to the governorship primaries held at the Tafawa Balewa Square in the Onikan area for the “protection of my gang’s candidate”.
The PDP, therefore, urged Arase to take over the prosecution in order to ensure a proper trial of the criminals.
The PDP went further to counsel youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs by any party, warning that they would  eventually be abandoned when arrested.
The statement partly read, “At this juncture, we invite the IGP to take over the case file of Muhideen Ibrahim and other arrested gunmen who have confessed to be agents of the APC.
“While we commend the Lagos State Police Command, we want the IGP to continue the investigation because the APC chieftains have now waded in to cover up their deeds.
“If the IGP takes over the case file, this may lead us to many other previous political killings like that of the late Funsho Williams and others.
“We are not being partisan here; we are aware and had reported that many of our members were attacked, maimed, killed at various rallies and venues.
“During the last general election, many of our members were attacked in Alimosho, Oshodi, Lagos Island, Kosofe and other areas in the state.”
Reacting to the allegations in a text message sent to our correspondent, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, slammed the PDP for the accusations.
He said, “What in the world is making you to think that a party that preaches and advocates the good of the commonwealth would resort to lawlessness and impunity because we want to protect hoodlums?
“The Lagos APC does not have that kind of character as we walk the talk on issues of justice, equity and fair play, no matter whose  ox is gored.
“So, if anybody  tells you that the Lagos APC is trying to frustrate the prosecution of hoodlums and political thugs, please tell the Lagos PDP to grow up.”

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