Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
The identity of the armed thug who caused chaos outside the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal has been revealed as Marvis Osarumense, also known as “Ewewan.” The man, whose actions were captured in a widely circulated video, was seen wearing People’s Democratic Party (PDP) branded clothing while shooting into the air and issuing threats.
Truth Live News gathered that investigations have linked Osarumense to Kelly Okungbowa, alias “Ebo Stone,” a notorious figure reportedly affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The revelation has sparked outrage, with the PDP accusing the APC of orchestrating the violence to disrupt tribunal proceedings and smear their image.
In a statement on Wednesday, PDP State Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, condemned the incident, calling it part of a deliberate strategy by the APC to undermine justice.
“The All Progressives Congress in Edo State, clearly scared of justice, has continued its devious ploy to frustrate our party from reclaiming the mandate duly given to us by the good people of Edo State in the last governorship election,” Dr. Aziegbemi stated.
He further alleged that the APC sponsored thugs dressed in PDP-branded attire to mislead the public and disrupt the tribunal process.
“Pray tell, why would the PDP attempt to disrupt the only opportunity it has to reclaim the mandate given to it by the people of Edo State? The PDP is aware that its only pathway to justice is through the legal process, so it would be utterly senseless for anyone to suggest that the party would deploy thugs to disrupt this very process,” the statement continued.
The PDP criticized law enforcement agencies for failing to arrest Osarumense despite the abundance of evidence, including the viral video.
Dr. Aziegbemi also took a swipe at the APC’s alleged history of employing thugs, labeling them as “lions and tigers,” and called on the party to stop these tactics of intimidation and harassment.
“The same tactics deployed at the tribunal today are being employed in local councils, motor parks, and markets, where thugs harass, intimidate, and extort citizens daily. The APC must call their thugs to order to prevent further lawlessness in the state,” he said.
He urged security agencies to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of Osarumense and other individuals involved in the disruption, warning that unchecked lawlessness could lead to a breakdown of order in Edo State.
The PDP concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to pursuing justice through legal means, undeterred by intimidation or violence.
This incident has raised concerns over the integrity of the tribunal process and the need for stronger security measures to prevent further disruptions.