Police arrest Uzodinma’s ex-commissioner over seditious publications

The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, the former Commissioner for Foreign Affairs in the state, over seditious and inflammatory publications.

The Command, through its spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, stated that Ihekweme, who has recently become a major critic of his former boss, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, was arrested following a petition brought against him by a group, the Imo Democratic Alliance (IDA).

Okoye explained that the publications were intended to incite civil unrest in the state, adding, “In line with due process, a duly signed warrant of arrest was obtained before his detention.”

The Imo Police spokesman also debunked media reports that Ihekweme had been kidnapped, urging the public to disregard the false narrative circulating and calling on media practitioners to verify their sources before publishing, “as misinformation undermines public trust.”

Okoye stated, “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.

“The Imo State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law without external influence and will provide timely updates as necessary.”

However, some concerned citizens of the state have criticized the police for the delay in making a statement regarding his arrest, stressing that the delay encouraged the spread of misinformation on the matter.