The arrest of Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Mr Osaze Osemwingie-Ero has generated a lot of reactions and social media buzz.
INTERPOL arrested Osemwingie-Ero on his way to Berlin for Benin Artefacts Registration Campaign.
However, the first report that hit social media was that Comm. Osemwingie-Ero was arrested with $2m he allegedly laundered.
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What Really Happened.
The time of his arrest is still unestablished but the information filtered to the public last week.
Osemwingie-Ero was arrested in Amsterdam, Holland and not France as widely reported.
According to a report by TheNation, the Commissioner was arrested as part of INTERPOL’s investigation into cult activities in Europe.
“His arrest was said to have been connected to the arrest of some Nigerians in Italy for prostitution racketeering, cultism, pimping and other offences.”
The Leader, Benin Artefacts repatriation Campaign Organisation, Mr Odeh explained that the Commissioner was arrested while on his way to meet him in Berlin for the Benin Artefacts Repatriation Campaign.
The event was hosted by the Nigeria Ambassador to Germany Mr Yusuf Taggar.
Mr Odeh said, “He was coming to meet me and other delegates in Berlin for our Benin Artefacts Repatriation Campaign which was hosted by the Nigeria ambassador to Germany Mr Yusuf Taggar when Mr Ero was arrested.”
He added “The most disappointing is the false information speculated in the social media that 2 million dollars were found in his possession, this allegation is not only barbaric but malicious and primitive because there was no such amount of money found with him. Though who fabricated and spread such falsehood news has a place reserved for them in hell.
The Leader expressed disappointment in the negative politics the story has generated.
Adding that “I know the reason or their goal is to rubbish Gov. Obaseki but unfortunately for them, this kind of primitive politics has earned sympathy for Obaseki instead, this disgraceful act has stabilized people loyalty to Obaseki. “
He called on all Edo citizens especially “our fellow Edo citizens worldwide to join us in helping an Edo man in the hours of need.”
Dr Folus Ejele, an ally and a long-time friend of the arrested Commissioner who spoke with NAIJA CENTER on Wednesday said the negative narrative was because of the rift between Obaseki and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole.
Dr Ejele said contrary to many reports, his friend was not arrested with 2 million dollars.
The Commissioner’s arrest followed an investigation of a cult-related incident that commenced about five years ago.
He said “the truth of the matter is as related below. I have been opportune to speak with him, In authority, it’s not money related matter, It’s also not about drugs, It’s not about authority or government. It’s just about fraternity issue years ago”
The ally who said he has known the commissioner Osaze Osemwegie-Ero for close to thirty good years said Ero had approached a lawyer to represent him on the investigation and had forgotten all about it.
“It is not true that he was arrested with 2million dollars. He was flagged for a crime he was falsely accused of more than five years ago even before he was appointed a commissioner by incumbent Governor Obaseki.
“I recall he told me then, He had sent a lawyer to Italy to sort things out the authorities there. Apparently, it is either the lawyer didn’t do his job as required or the authorities needed further clarifications hence he was taken in for questioning recently in the Netherlands and not France.
“I am in touch with family and friends both locally and in the Diaspora over his travails and I can authoritatively state that things are being sorted out as he is innocent of what he was accused off. Please disbelieve the wicked and malicious rumour being peddled around about him.
“It is a well-known fact that the Edo APC is currently sharply divided into the pro-Obaseki and Pro Oshiomole’s camp. Their fight is so dirty that all they want is to tear each other down. Mr Ero is a victim of this political power play. His accusation is a prelude to Governor Obaseki being accused of money laundering. Taking advantage of a man’s travails for political reason is nothing but pure wickedness.
Not even the excellent work he has down as a commissioner in his ministry could hinder these people. It has become pertinent for every Edo’s to ask Who are these people and what is their motive? May God save our state from this group of power-hungry desperadoes. All they care for is power, money and power.
What a shame!!!”
Dr Ejefe also confirmed to NAIJA CENTER that the Nigerian foreign affair Minister Geoffrey Jideofor Kwusike Onyeama, Nigerian ambassador to Holland Mr Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, Ambassador and Governor Obaseki
He said “The Nigerian foreign affairs minister is on top of the matter. Nigerian ambassador to Holland is involved. The governor is very much helpful.”
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