The Edo State Government has condemned the pre-dawn arrest of 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, father of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Edo South, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, describing the manner of his arrest as unacceptable.
Pa Iduoriyekemwen was reportedly taken from his residence in Amagba, Benin City, at about 4am by armed policemen over allegations bordering on conspiracy, forcible entry, gun-running, cultism and the promotion of communal crises. The police have since confirmed that he was arrested and subsequently released after interrogation.
Reacting to the incident, Edo Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said the elderly man should have been invited to respond to the allegations instead of being taken from his home in the early hours of the morning.
“Arresting a 90-year-old and fragile man at 4am in such a manner is a no-no for the state government,” Afegbua said.
He said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration remained committed to due process and the rule of law, urging security agencies to adopt more appropriate methods when dealing with petitions involving elderly citizens.
“We treat our elders with respect and decorum as a way to deepen our emotional intelligence in driving our governance agenda,” the commissioner said.
Afegbua, however, cautioned politicians against politicising the incident or using it to blackmail the government, insisting that disputes and petitions should be handled through lawful channels.
Police Explain 90-Year-Old’s Arrest
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that Pa Iduoriyekemwen was arrested by detectives in connection with a petition and later released after interrogation.
Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command initially received a petition against the 90-year-old on August 25, 2026.
According to her, Pa Iduoriyekemwen was first invited to the station, where he made a statement before being released.
Ikoedem said he was subsequently arrested by detectives over the same matter but was again released after interrogation.
She disclosed that two other suspects had also been arrested in connection with the allegations, while investigation into the matter continues.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid relying on unverified reports concerning the incident.
The controversy surrounding the arrest was heightened by initial reports suggesting that the nonagenarian had been abducted from his residence. The police later clarified that he had been lawfully arrested in connection with the petition.
The incident has nevertheless triggered questions over the manner in which elderly persons are handled during police investigations, with the Edo Government insisting that security operations must be conducted within the bounds of due process.
The allegations against Pa Iduoriyekemwen remain under investigation, and no conviction has been recorded against him in connection with the claims.
