Abia Judicial Panel Issues Bench Warrants for Arrest of Ikpeazu’s Former Chief of Staff, Deputy

The Chairman of the Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the recovery of Government Property and Funds, Justice Florence Doruoha-Igwe (Rtd), has ordered the arrest of Anthony Agbazuere and Don Ubani, former Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, respectively, to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Justice Doruoha-Igwe issued a Bench Warrant for Anthony Agbazuere due to his alleged failure to appear before the Panel for questioning regarding a Toyota Hilux Land Cruiser purportedly in his possession since leaving office. The matter has been adjourned to January 24, 2024, with a directive for Agbazuere’s arrest and further cross-examination.

Similarly, Don Ubani, the former Deputy Chief of Staff, faces a Bench Warrant for allegedly not appearing before the Panel and failing to respond to a notice served on November 30, 2023. Justice Doruoha-Igwe (Rtd) has set January 24, 2024, as the date for Ubani’s arrest and defense.

Responding to the situation, Don Ubani expressed shock at the Bench Warrant, claiming he never received any invitation from the Panel. He labeled the arrest order as ‘false propaganda and political witch-hunt’ while affirming his willingness to appear if officially invited.

The unfolding events raise questions about the nature of the invitation process and the potential political undertones surrounding these legal proceedings. The Panel’s decision to issue Bench Warrants underscores the intensity of the probe into the alleged possession of government property by key figures from the Ikpeazu administration. The situation awaits further developments as the scheduled court date approaches.