The Rivers State chapter of the National Rescue Movement, NRM, is calling for the immediate release of its member, Sobomabo Jackrich, who was forcefully arrested at his residence in Degema, Degema Local Government Area of the state by men dressed in military uniform on Monday.
Jackrich was the 2023 governorship candidate of NRM in the state.
The Rivers State Police Command in a statement on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest was carried out by a sister security agency.
The state command also confirmed that two persons lost their lives during the operation.
Speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the state Chairman of NRM, Ibiyekaribo Peters emphasized the party’s firm commitment to justice and equity.
Peters appealed to key authorities, including Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Director General of the Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi, to intervene.
Peters, alongside party executives, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Jackrich and all unlawfully detained individuals and called on security agencies involved to de-escalate tension and also vacate the besieged compound of their leader.
He asked the Nigerian Police Force to facilitate the release of the deceased aides’ remains for proper burial and compensation for the families of the men killed in the tragic attack.
Peters said, “In the light of this great injustice, the National Rescue Movement, Rivers State chapter vehemently demands the immediate and unconditional release of High Chief Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich, aka Egberipapa, and all others unlawfully detained.
“The Nigeria security force and their sister security agencies involved in this should de-escalate the tension and vacate the compound of our leader and offer an explanation for the horrendous attack, detention, and extra-judicial killing.
“The Nigerian police should facilitate the release of the diseased aides for proper burial and closure with their families”, he added.