Monday Agbonika, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, has been asked to question Emmanuel Egogo, commonly known as Eghogho, who was seen threatening political opponents in front of the commissioner in a widely shared video.
This development came after the Edo State Police Command released a statement distancing the commissioner from the provocative statements.
In the viral video as seen by ENigeria Newspaper on Friday, the commissioner is shown sitting while Egogo makes threats to apprehend and turn over any opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) member apprehended in the state to him.
Additionally, he referred to Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential contender and ADC chieftain, as a “idiot.”
“CP Monday, the name of the governor is Monday and your name is Monday, that’s why you people are working. CP, I am loyal to you. When we catch ADC people we will hand them over to you, straight to Abuja…People like that Obi, idiot…”, Egogo said in the video.
The inaction of the Police Commission has sparked reactions online and netizens called for the arrest of Egogo whom they say is a Special Adviser for Governor of Edo State, Monday Okphebolo.
One user named @sandra_vibes247 wrote, “The real issue is not even the insult, it’s the silence and body language of the CP. Leadership means acting, not smiling.
@realEmeka23 pointed to the possible partisanship culture of the police force. He wrote, “So the man openly insulted and threatened someone, and the CP was smiling? This is exactly why people don’t trust the police anymore.”
Another user, @Tobiexpress tweeted “This is how impunity starts, laughing at threats today, acting shocked tomorrow when something happens.”
Edo State Police distances itself from Egogo comments
However, the Edo State Police Command called Egogo a “comedian” in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, stressing that CP Agbonika never supported his remarks.
“The command wishes to state unequivocally that the comments made in the video by the said Emmanuel Eghogho are entirely those of the individual and do not in any way reflect the views, position, or disposition of the Commissioner of Police or the Edo State Police Command. At no point did the Commissioner of Police endorse, adopt, or align himself with the remarks made”, the statement read in part.
“For the avoidance of doubt, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc remains a thorough professional and a non-partisan officer who is fully committed to the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force”, the statement added.
The command stated that it has previously urged the people, all political parties, and their followers to carry out their political activities in a lawful, peaceful, and unhindered manner.
“However, the command wishes to strongly warn that any act of violence, incitement, thuggery, or any conduct capable of undermining public peace and security will not be tolerated under any guise.
“Anyone found engaging in acts capable of breaching public order will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law,” the statement further read.
