Prof. Benard Odoh, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections in Ebonyi State, described the police statement declaring him and nine others wanted as “strange and sub judice.” He alleged that the police added him to the wanted list to undermine his chances of winning the Saturday governorship election.
On Monday, the Ebonyi State Police Command announced that Odoh and nine of his supporters were wanted on murder allegations. The accusations stem from the killing of the traditional ruler of the Umuezeokaoha community in Ezza North Local Government Area, HRH (Eze) Igboke Ewa, who was reportedly murdered for supporting a particular political party. Odoh, who hails from the same community, has repeatedly denied any involvement, emphasizing that the late ruler was his father and supporter. He called the link between him and the incident “ludicrous.”
In a statement signed and released to journalists in Abakaliki on Monday, Odoh said: “My attention has been drawn to a publication by the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, in a letter AZ: 5200/EBS/DFA/PPRO/VOL.8/249 dated 06/03/2023, and I wish to state and react as follows.” He expressed sympathy for the bereaved family but reiterated his earlier media statements that he knows “absolutely NOTHING” about the assassination of HRH Ezeogo Igboke Ewa and the Chairman of Ezza Traditional Rulers. He described the allegations as “false in every material fact; malicious, baseless, spurious” and urged the public to disregard them. Odoh reminded that Nigerian law presumes an accused person innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
Odoh explained that the individuals listed in the police letter are APGA supporters from his Umuezeokaoha community, noting that APGA has supporters across all villages and polling units in Ebonyi’s 13 LGAs. He said his only connection to them is that some look up to him as a role model and mentor. He also disclosed that he had obtained a High Court order (No: HOW/194/2023, dated 3 March 2023) restraining the police and other security agencies from harassing or arresting him until the matter is determined by the court. While the Inspector General of Police complied with the order, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Ebonyi State continued actions contrary to the court’s directive.
The family of the late Eze filed a suit (Suit Number HBA/47MC/2023) alleging that the CP had compromised the case by failing to arrest Odoh, a matter still pending before the Ebonyi High Court. Odoh emphasized that he is not on the run and is seeking resolution of the false allegations through legal and peaceful means. He asserted that the accusations are politically motivated to sabotage his campaign, in which he remains the leading front‑runner.
Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh concluded by urging his supporters across Ebonyi State and beyond to stay calm, focused, and resolute in their effort to win the upcoming gubernatorial election and to free the people from ongoing harassment and intimidation. He prayed for wisdom, grace, and the ability to navigate this critical moment in the campaign and achieve a resounding victory.
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