Following allegations and counter allegations going viral on several social media spaces, 9News Nigeria has delved into serious investigation to unravel the facts and figures concerning the actual position of Dr Fabian Ihekweme.
9News Nigeria authoritatively reports that Dr Fabian Ihekweme was not abducted by the Governor of Imo state as alleged by the Ihekweme’s wife on a viral video where she came out to solicit for public attention.
On a petition against Dr Ihekweme, an official arrest was conducted by the police command and his whereabout is confirmed to be detained at the police command Owerri while investigation lasts.
At the time of filling this report by 9News the police PPRO ASP Okoye was contacted directly and stated the obvious situation that led to the arrest of Dr Ihekweme. Dr Ihekweme was not in any way abducted as alleged by his spokespersons and wife.
The Imo State Police Command has noted with concern the circulation of misleading reports claiming that Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, former Commissioner for Foreign Affairs in Imo State, was allegedly abducted by gunmen. We wish to clarify the facts.
Dr. Fabian Ihekweme was not abducted, but was lawfully arrested on 27th November 2024 by detectives of the Imo State Police Command, following a formal petition by the Imo Democratic Alliance (IDA). The petition accused him of seditious and inflammatory publications aimed at inciting civil unrest in the State. In line with due process, a duly signed warrant of arrest was obtained before his detention.
We urge the public to disregard the false narrative circulating on social media, and call on media practitioners to verify their sources before publishing, as misinformation undermines public trust.
The Imo State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law without external influence and will provide timely updates as necessary.
Police Public Relations Officer Imo State Command, ASP OKOYE HENRY, ANIPR also assured 9News Nigeria and Imo people at large that the command will do everything possible to discharge professional investigation in the matter.
Meanwhile the Imo state police command have issued a refuttal to the misleading information peddled on public space and certain newspapers, assuring the people of thorough investigation concerning Ihekweme’s case.
On this therefore, Dr Ihekweme wife’s alarm alleging Imo state government responsible for her husband’s arrest is untrue and misleading from our investigation conducted at the time of this detailed report by 9News Nigeria.
Additionally, this investigation has proved a post made on Facebook page of “State of Imo” which declared, “Hold Uzodinma responsible.” wife of Governor’s former aide cries out over husband’s abduction” is a confirmable lie and does not hold any water as thoroughly investigated by 9News.
Our readers can take a breath and read also the allegation made public on Facebook:
Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former Commissioner for Foreign Affairs in Imo State, was allegedly abducted by unidentified gunmen on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. The incident occurred at his home around noon while he was with his family.
In a viral video, Dr. Ihekweme’s wife, visibly distressed, accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of orchestrating the abduction. She claimed the Governor and his aides had been issuing threats to her husband in the weeks leading up to the incident.
According to her account, the armed men first detained Dr. Ihekweme’s driver before locating their residence and forcibly taking the former commissioner. She implored the public to hold Governor Uzodinma accountable, insisting the abduction was politically motivated and linked to the Governor’s administration.
Dr. Ihekweme served under Uzodinma’s administration as part of the Shared Prosperity government but recently defected to the Labour Party, aligning with Peter Obi during the last general election.
In the days before his abduction, Ihekweme was reportedly involved in heated exchanges on social media, criticizing the state government. His posts had drawn sharp responses from some of Governor Uzodinma’s media aides, escalating tensions.
The Imo State Police, however, have yet to issue a formal statement on the incident. ASP Henry Okoye, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that no official report of the abduction had been filed as of the time of this report.
Dr. Ihekweme’s wife continues to plead for public support, urging action to ensure her husband’s safety and justice for his abduction” This was the allegation.
In factual and confirmable evidence from my conversation with the PPRO Imo state command , at press time ,Dr Fabian Ihekweme was confirmed officially arrested by the police on the basis of petition levied against him while investigation continues.
-Princely Onyenwe reporting
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria @08036856526
