The Benue Development Union, Owo Branch, Ondo State, has appealed to residents of Ado Local Government Area in Benue to accept the findings of the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Investigation Team, which found no evidence of an alleged illegal detention facility in the council area.
Union leader Dr. Joel Amos Adai told journalists in Akure that the team, led by CSP Mannase Orhena, interviewed more than 80 residents and confirmed that the location described in a petition was, in fact, a public market and a Catholic church where people gather to trade and worship.
The investigation followed claims by the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, that such a detention cell existed — allegations the union described as damaging to the area’s image.
Adai urged local politicians in Obioye, Ado LGA, to stop portraying the community as unsafe for investors. He also announced plans for a town hall meeting to mediate the political dispute between the Deputy Speaker and the Executive Chairman of the council, Mr. Oche Sunday Oche.
The IGP’s team had earlier dismissed the petition that led to the arrest of three traditional rulers — Isaac Ebilima, Igwe Linus, and Daniel Nweze — who were later released after the allegations were deemed baseless.
The case has drawn attention to the misuse of petitions to intimidate community leaders and underscored the need for rigorous verification in law enforcement processes.
