Temple Mudi Assault: Counsel Demands Release or Arraignment of Delta Commisioner

The lawyer to Delta State Commissioner for Works on Highways and Urban Roads, Hon. Reuben Izeze, Joe Okeke, has called for his release or arraignment before a competent court.

Okeke made the demand following the continued detention of the commissioner at the Ekpan Police Station over his alleged connection with the assault of Temple Mudi, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Protocol.

The lawyer condemned the alleged attack on Mudi but insisted that Izeze, like every accused person, is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“We sympathise with Hon. Mudi Temple and condemn the attack on him. However, there is another side of the picture. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the presumption of innocence to every person accused of a crime until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Okeke said.

He urged the Area Commander of the Ekpan Police Station to either release Izeze or charge him to court if the police have sufficient evidence against him.

Okeke questioned the continued detention of the commissioner, arguing that the police should conclude their investigation and establish a prima facie case before proceeding with prosecution.

He also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to review the circumstances surrounding Izeze’s detention and ensure that due process is followed.

According to the lawyer, several attempts had been made to secure Izeze’s release, but the efforts had yet to yield the desired outcome.

Okeke further argued that Izeze’s status as a serving commissioner and legal practitioner makes it particularly important for his fundamental rights to be respected.

“It is not lawful for a suspect to be arrested before investigation is conducted. It is far better for the police to investigate the facts and determine whether a prima facie case exists before making an arrest,” he said.

The lawyer also disclosed that his team visited the Ekpan Police Station alongside members of the press to ascertain Izeze’s condition but were denied access to him.

“At this point, we say no to the continued detention of Hon. Reuben Izeze in custody. If there is a case against him, he should be charged before a competent court,” Okeke said.