Henry Okojie, the federal lawmaker representing Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State, and husband to Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his residence on Friday.
According to Okojie’s media aide, Michael Ihaza, the would-be assassins, disguised as police officers, arrived in a Lexus GX 470 with Rivers State registration number PHC 253 FF.
They claimed to have an appointment with the lawmaker, according to the PUNCH.
However, security personnel attached to Okojie intervened, thwarting the attack. Two suspects fled, while the driver and another accomplice were apprehended and are being interrogated by the Nigeria Police Force, Uromi.
The suspects have reportedly confessed to being hired by leaders of the People’s Democratic Party in Esan North East Local Government Area.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful.
The statement noted that the planned assassination “was unsuccessful owing to the intervention of security personnel attached to the lawmaker”.
“The armed thugs who disguised as police officers along with two others, invaded the residence of Hon. Okojie, claimed to be on appointment and proceeded to the seating room.
“Following the intervention of the security personnel attached to the lawmaker, two of the armed thugs fled leaving behind the driver and another who are currently being interrogated by officers from the Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Uromi.
“The suspects have so far made a confessional statement stating that they were sent on the mission by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Esan North East Local Government Area,” the statement added.
This incident highlights the growing concerns about election-related violence in Edo State.
