By Isaac Ojo
A community in Awlaw, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, was thrown into confusion on Tuesday following the reported arrest of the Coordinator of the Awlaw Strategic Development Initiative, Mr. Felix Imah, by security operatives.
The operatives reportedly arrested Imah at a restaurant where he had gone to eat before taking him to the Police Area Command in Oji River and subsequently moving him to Abuja through the Force Headquarters.
Sources said the operation, described as commando-style, triggered panic among people around the restaurant, forcing some to flee for safety.
Speaking with our correspondent by telephone, Imah alleged that his arrest was connected to his advocacy and efforts to promote the interests of his community.
He accused the senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Osita Ngwu, of masterminding the arrest. However, the allegation had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
Imah has repeatedly accused the senator of failing to account for funds and allocations allegedly received for the development of Awlaw community.
The development coordinator, who is also the founder of the Centre for Strategic Leadership and Youth Orientation (CENSTLEYO), vowed that the arrest and what he described as attempts at intimidation and harassment would not deter him from pursuing the interests of his people.
When our correspondent visited the Police Area Command in Oji River to obtain the police’s account of the incident, the Area Commander was unavailable.
However, an officer who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed Imah’s arrest, adding that he was already being taken to Abuja in the company of officers from the Force Headquarters.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest or the allegations against Imah.
