Ex-LP National Chairman, Abure yet to meet bail condition, may be arraigned on Monday

By Ifeoluwa Theophilus

Following the arrest of the former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure on Friday by the police over alleged attempted kidnapping and criminal assault, the police have resolved to arraign him in court on Monday.

Salient Times gathered that Abure who was whisked away after leaving the Presidential Election Tribunal on Friday was unable to meet his bail condition and was still with the police at the time of this report.

It was gathered that he was arrested over his failure to honour police invitation on various allegations levelled against him.

"But when the police that was detailed to arrest him on Friday accosted him, he assaulted them and tore their uniforms.

"Despite all invitations extended to him, he failed to honour them which was why he was arrested after leaving the Presidential Elections Tribunal yesterday.

Salient Times gathered that he was unable to meet the bail condition on Friday and had to sleep overnight.

"On the bail issue, he was told to deposit his international passport with one surety. He was told to ask Peter Obi or any other person higher than Obi to stand as surety for him.

"The Police have concluded arrangements to present him in court for offences ranging from perjury, fraud, criminal conspiracy, and stealing.

"Another offence is that of assault and attempted kidnapping of two Nigeria Police Officers that were commissioned to arrest.

"But unfortunately yesterday, Peter Obi switches off his phone, he did not even put a call through to Abure, it was then dawned on Abure that he was on his own. Obi has not visited Abure at the police Station up to this morning. As we write this report on Saturday morning Abure is still in Police custody.

But reacting, the Abure-led faction of the Party describes the arrest as

a 'farce', saying that Abure was not arrested.

The factional Spokesperson of the Party Obiorah Ifoh said that the viral video showing the arrest of Abure was doctored

"The leadership of the Labour Party has dismissed a video of the purported arrest of its National Chairman, Comrade Julius Abure by security agents.

The factional spokesperson of the Party, Obiorah Ifoh described the video as fake.

Also, Abure in a 57-second video, flanked by High Chief Peter Ameh, who wore a brown flowing gown, the Acting National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu amongst their Biaides, denies any arrest.

He said he is fine and free of any kind of restriction rumoured about him.

“I was travelling, I have to come out of my vehicle to do this short video, to say that, it is a rumour and all members of the Labour Party and the public should disregard this rumour.

Meanwhile, efforts by Our Correspondent to get the reaction of the Spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, Muyiwa Adejobi as calls put across to him were not successful.