The lawyer to Delta State Commissioner for Works on Highways and Urban Roads, Reuben Izeze, has called for his immediate release or arraignment before a competent court, following his continued detention by the police.
Izeze was reportedly arrested on July 30 and taken to the Ekpan Police Station in connection with the alleged assault of Temple Mudi, a Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Protocol.
The incident reportedly occurred during the Delta Central Senatorial District APC Stakeholders’ Conference held at the Petroleum Training Institute Conference Centre on the same day.
Mudi, popularly known as Temple, was said to have been attacked during the event by youths allegedly suspected to be linked to the commissioner. He reportedly sustained injuries and was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and the extent of Izeze’s involvement remain subject to police investigation.
While the commissioner remains in police custody, the authorities at Ekpan Police Station have not publicly provided details on the circumstances of his arrest or the progress of the investigation.
Izeze’s counsel, Joe Okeke, said his client should not be kept in custody indefinitely without being informed of the specific case against him or being brought before a court.
Okeke condemned the alleged assault on Mudi but stressed that allegations against his client must be treated in accordance with the constitutional presumption of innocence.
He argued that where the police have sufficient evidence linking Izeze to a criminal offence, the appropriate step would be to charge him before a competent court rather than continue his detention.
The lawyer also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure that due process is followed in the handling of the matter.
According to him, several attempts have been made to secure the commissioner’s release, but those efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
Okeke further questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrest, arguing that investigation should establish whether there is a prima facie case before a suspect is prosecuted.
He said the legal status of Izeze as both a serving commissioner and a legal practitioner made it particularly important for the authorities to respect his fundamental rights.
The lawyer disclosed that he and members of his legal team had visited the police station to ascertain the condition of their client but were reportedly denied access.
He said they were asked to wait for the relevant police authority, but the Area Commander subsequently left the station.
Okeke therefore reiterated his demand that the commissioner either be released or brought before a court if the police have a case against him.
The continued detention has attracted attention in parts of Delta State, particularly across Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Effurun and neighbouring communities, as residents await further developments from the police investigation.
As of the time of the report, there had been no official statement from the police authorities concerning the allegations against Izeze or the reason for the continued detention.
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