Yohanna Margif, the governorship candidate of the state Labour Party, was arrested on Saturday, according to the Plateau state Police Command.
Margif was reportedly whisked away by security operatives in the late hours of Thursday amid speculation that he had resigned as Labour Party governor, an allegation he later denied.
Alabo Alfred, spokesman for the state police command, confirmed his arrest in a statement on Saturday in which he said “Contrary to the report being circulated by some online news media alleging that the arrest of Amb. Yohanna Margif by operatives of the Plateau State Command is politically motivated, the command wishes to inform members of the public that such report is malicious, misleading and unfounded.
“Amb. Margif was criminally reported against by his business associate, one E.C.Gajare. who alleged that Amb. Margit issued him a dud bank cheque over a business deal they had in recent time, hence the police invited Amb. Margif to answer the allegation levelled against him.
“The Plateau State Police Command wishes to set the record straight that the Nigeria Police is a non-partisan organization that rigorously pursues criminal matters with vigour, irrespective of who is involved. Members of the public are hereby urged to disregard such noxious reports aimed at tarnishing the image of the Plateau State Police Command.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, wants the general public to know that nothing can distract the command from discharging it’s constitutional duties and responsibilities.’’
