Edo State Police release 90-year-old father of ADC candidate

The Edo State Police Command has released 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemen, the father of African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate Matthew Iduoriyekemen, following his detention on Tuesday.

Initial reports suggested the elderly man had been abducted from his residence at approximately 4 a.m. by armed men. However, the police clarified that he was invited to the station in connection with a petition alleging conspiracy, forcible entry, gun running, cultism, and the promotion of communal crises. The command stated that Pa Iduoriyekemen provided statements before being released, though investigations into the matter continue and two other suspects have been arrested.

The incident has sparked political tension. The group ‘Concerned Edo Voters’ alleged that opposition members from the ADC, Peoples Democratic Party, and Nigeria Democratic Congress are being targeted for surveillance and harassment. While the Edo State Government condemned the incident and denied any political involvement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, expressed concern regarding the manner in which the fragile elderly man was taken into custody.