The Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Lami Danladi-Ogenyi, has raised serious allegations against the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Hon. Sunday Oche, accusing him of overseeing an illegal detention cell operated within the Ezza community.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, Hon. Danladi-Ogenyi described the alleged facility as a threat to public safety and a violation of constitutional rights. She claimed that political loyalists under the chairman’s watch have been using the cell to intimidate and unlawfully detain residents.
“The Chairman, who is supposed to be the Chief Security Officer of the Area, has become the chief operator of a criminal and illegal team terrorizing the very people he swore to protect,” Danladi-Ogenyi stated. “The people of Ezza are now living in perpetual fear.”
The Deputy Speaker revealed that her constituents have petitioned both the Inspector General of Police and the Director of State Security Services. In response, she raised a motion in the House calling for the immediate suspension of the chairman and his deputy to allow for an impartial investigation. An ad hoc committee has been constituted to probe the matter.
In a swift rebuttal, Chairman Sunday Oche denied the existence of any illegal detention cell, stating that while petitions had been filed, investigations by Zone 4 Police in Makurdi led to the release of detained chiefs due to lack of evidence. He also confirmed his appearance before the Assembly’s investigative committee and claimed he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Despite the chairman’s denial, Hon. Danladi-Ogenyi emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that continued inaction could escalate tensions and endanger lives in the local government area.