The Nigeria Police has arrested a member of the Baylesa House of Assembly Hon. Israel Sunny Gioli, 47, suspected to have masterminded the attack on a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Kola Okunola, in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa state, on Sunday, February 24, 2019.
A press statement by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Frank Mba, Friday in Abuja, said two other suspects: Tamarapreye Victor, 34, and Azi Newton, 34, were arrested alongside the Gioli, who is the All Progressives Congress (ACP)
House of Representatives candidate in Brass Constituency.
The spokesperson said the lawmaker was arrested in his hideout somewhere in Abuja on Friday morning in a well-coordinated covert operation, adding his arrest was in line with the directive of acting Inspector General of Police Muhammed Adamu for the immediate arrest, comprehensive investigation and diligent prosecution of all involved in the attack on DCP Okunola.
While leading the team providing protection for INEC officials, voters and materials the senior Police officer was reportedly attacked and molested by thugs led by the lawmaker.
Mba said effort was on-going to apprehend other members of the gang involved in the attack on the officer.
Meanwhile, as the country prepares for the governorship and House of Assembly elections slated for March 9, the ag IGP has reiterated his earlier warning that the Nigeria Police under his watch would not condone any act of assault against any member of the public, including personnel of the Force legitimately assigned to protect the sanctity of the ballot.
