Uche Nwosu, the son-in-law of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, who was arrested at his village church on Sunday and whisked away, has regained his freedom.
A statement issued by his spokesman, Chikezie Nwadike, announced that Nwosu regained his freedom unconditionally without spending a night in custody.
Nwosu, the 2019 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance in the state, was arrested in a commando-like fashion at St Peter’s Anglican Church, where he was attending a thanksgiving service for his late mother, who was buried four days earlier.
The arrest, first reported by the media as a kidnapped, has pitted Okorocha against the incumbent governor, Hope Uzodinma, two archrivals whose paths have refused to cross.
Okorocha has blamed Uzodinma for Nwosu’s arrest, accusing him of being “1000 percent” responsible for the “abduction”.
Nwadike’s statement says: “This is to inform the general public, friends, and well-wishers, supporters and sympathizers that Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, who was abducted by security agencies while observing church service at St Peter’s Anglican Church Umunwokwe Village Eziama-Obaire Nkwerre LGA, has regained his freedom and released unconditionally. He never spent a night in their custody as every effort was put in place to get him out.
“Recall the ugly incident that took place yesterday, 26th December 2021, at St Peter’s Anglican Church as security operatives swooped him inside the church during the outing service of his mother’s burial and whisked him away amidst sporadic shootings and harassment of the congregation.
“I have spoken with him and he extended his greetings to all of us out there. While we await a Police report on the reasons for the abduction and arrest, we call on everyone to remain calm and focused because God is in charge of the whole situation.
“Ugwumba Uche Nwosu is a perfect gentleman who has a great deal of respect for constituted authorities and has never for once caught up in civil disobedience. There was never an invitation and if anyone says otherwise, let the person come forth with evidence.”
