By DADA AYOKHAI
The former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has petitioned the police over allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking against one Mr. Eseigbe Ohikhuai Blessing, who claims to be a political stakeholder in Owan West Local Government Area.
This was disclosed by Ohikhuai himself in a press statement titled “Alleged Petition By Former Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku: Eseigbe Ohikhuai Blessing Calls For Due Process And Rejects Intimidation.”
According to Ohikhuai, he had been receiving telephone calls and subsequent WhatsApp messages regarding an alleged petition said to have been filed against him by the former Speaker.
He said for some time, he had received calls from individuals he holds in high esteem, urging him to exercise restraint in his public criticism of the former Speaker, adding that out of respect for them and in the interest of peace, he decided to tone down his comments for a while.
Narrating his ordeal, Ohikhuai said: “This morning, I received a telephone call from an individual who identified himself as Inspector Jonah of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin City. During the conversation, he informed me that a petition had allegedly been filed against me by Hon. Blessing Agbebaku over claims of cyberbullying and cyberstalking and instructed me to report to the office immediately.”
He said in response, he made a simple and reasonable request for a copy of the petition to enable him to know the specific allegations and prepare an appropriate response, but the request was declined and he was instructed to report to the office instead.
Ohikhuai added that less than 30 minutes later, he received a WhatsApp message from another number reiterating the allegation and directing him to appear at the SCID office with his lawyer.
“Given these circumstances, I believe it is important to bring this matter to the attention of the public and call for transparency, professionalism and strict adherence to due process,” he said.
He called on relevant authorities to handle the matter professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law.
“I respect law enforcement institutions and their responsibility to investigate complaints. At the same time, every citizen deserves fair treatment and an opportunity to understand the allegations made against them. I will seek appropriate legal advice regarding the communications I have received and the proper steps to take in response,” he stated.
He urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and allow facts to emerge through appropriate channels.
