Mr Chukwudi Eke Mba, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechuckwu Emetu has denied the reports that the member representing Ohafia South constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Kalu Mba Nwoke was kidnapped and taken away on Saturday.
He claimed that the Labour Party lawmaker was arrested for allegedly invading Ohafia local government secretariat in Ebem with thugs in an attempt to intimidate the electorate and hijack electoral materials.
The Chief Press Secretary stated this in a press release he issued in response to an outcry by Etigwe Uwa (SAN), where the lawyer alleged that the Abia lawmaker was illegally arrested, beaten and taken away on election day.
The SAN had also alleged that security agencies detained individuals based on the instructions of Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechuckwu Emetu.
But absolving his boss of the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary said: “Going by what transpired, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke intimidated the electorates he is representing by invading the local government Secretariat with over 50 thugs and forcefully trying to hijack electoral materials during its distribution to various wards.
“His arrest was lawful as he was trying to obstruct the electoral process which is a criminal offense.”
According to the CPS, there was no case of kidnapping of political opponents before or during the election in Ohafia.
Latest reports have it that the Ohafia South representative, who is a grassroots politician, was released by the police on Sunday.