How Edo PDP Paid N64 Million to Police for Release of Members Before Election - Aziegbemi Alleges

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that it paid a staggering N64 million to the Nigeria Police for the release of its members who were arrested ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference in Benin City on Monday, the state chairman of the party, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, revealed that party members were detained on false accusations and that the police demanded an extortionate sum for their freedom.

"You will recall that the police were arresting our members on the false allegation of killing Inspector Akor," Aziegbemi stated. "The police have shamelessly released our members after collecting about N64 million, ostensibly for bail. Amazingly, more arrests have been made after the election."

Aziegbemi further accused the police of acting under the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling into question the integrity of the police force under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). "How low can the police go under this patently biased IGP heading the armed wing of the APC?" he asked.

In addition to the allegations of extortion, the PDP chairman disclosed that the party's intelligence unit had uncovered a plot by the APC to set fire to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Edo State. He urged security agencies to take immediate action to prevent such an occurrence.

Efforts to get a response from the Edo State Police Command regarding these allegations proved futile, as phone calls to the Command's Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, went unanswered. When contacted via text, Yamu responded briefly, saying, "Can't talk now, please, text me.ÔÇØ

Similarly, when reached out to, the Zone 5 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tijani Momoh, declined to comment and redirected inquiries to the state command.

This latest development adds to the controversies surrounding the 2024 Edo governorship election, with the PDP accusing both the police and the APC of collusion and unfair treatment.