Boom House News had earlier reported that the Labour Party candidate in Plateau state was arrested for allegedly refusing to step down for a returnees.
The Plateau State Police Command revealed that the arrest of the embattled Labour Party aspirant, Yohanna Margif, was not politically motivated.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesman of the Plateau State police command, DSP Alfred Alabo, Mr Margif’s arrest was over allegations of alleged fraud by his business associate, E.C. Gajare.
“Amb. Margif was criminally reported against his business associate, one E.C. Gajare who alleged that Amb. Margif issued him a dud bank cheque over a business deal they had in recent time, hence the Police invited the Amb. Margif to answer the allegation levied against him to which he confirmed to be true,” the statement said.
Prior to the release of the statement by the police, a Jos-based political commentator, Vilret Enoch told The Gazette that Mr Margif’s arrest couldbe tied to allegations of fraud levelled against him in the past. His comment confirms the statement by the police.
While a new candidate, Dr Patrick Dakum, has emerged as the Party’s flag bearer, Mr Margif’s running mate, Mr Jack Dung Bot told The Gazette via a text message that “ the Margif/Jack still stands firmly.”
Mr Margif has also refuted claims that he had stepped down from the race as LP’s flagbearer, per a Tribune report.
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Mr Margif admitted that he was approached by some individuals to relinquish his position from the race but he declined.
He said Mr Dakum’s emergence as his replacement came to him as a surprise, adding that the “kangaroo arrangement” was laughable and borne out of desperation.
