Eleven traders perceived to be key opposition leaders of United Allied Spare Parts and Machine Dealers Association, UASPAMDA,Trade Fair Complex,Ojo, Lagos have been quizzed over alleged assassination plot on the life of the interim chairman of the union
UASPAMDA is a coalition of traders dealing on Tricycle, Motor cycles, Generator spare parts as well as other fabricated tools among other items.
Our reporter gathered that the leaders who were described as ‘freedom fighters’ by their supporters were grilled for over 10 hours, at the Zone Two Police Command, Onikan Lagos.
They were alleged to have conspired to hatch the alleged assassination plot on the chairman.
Impeccable Police sources at Zone Two said the opposition leaders were invited by the Police following a petition written by the incumbent Chairman who alleged an uncovered plan to kill him and others by the suspects.
The suspects who have the support of numerous other members of the market association were alleged to have stoutly challenged the alleged graft infested and irresponsive government of the present administration.
However, the grilling of the suspects took a dramatic twist as tens of hundreds of the traders protested in front of the Command to show solidarity with the invited suspects.
The traders who displayed several placards accusing the incumbent administration of corrupt and sharp practices chanted solidarity songs insisting that they would not vacate the place unless their leaders were release unconditionally.
They argued that the petitioner was attempting to divert attention from the association’s resolve to remove and prosecute him over alleged graft while building the plazas.
Their action resulted in a temporary gridlock as the road was totally blocked by the protesters, thereby forcing the police hierarchy to quickly address the protesters. The Police assured them that they would handle the matter amicably but requested the protesters to allow only four persons, among them, to. go inside to explain their mission to the Deputy Commissioner of Police in his office.
At about 3 pm on Friday when our reporter went inside the D 6(Legal unit) of the zone, the suspects were seen sweating profusely in an attempt to write their separate statements.
All the suspects denied any plan, either secret or open to assassinate any body but admitted that they and others jointly opposed the petitioner’s continued stay in office for 14 years as caretaker committee.
We later learnt that the suspects were allowed to go home at about 7pm but were asked to return at a later date while the Police continue with their investigation.
However, the petitioner, Mr J. Achukwu told our reporter that he and his executive authored the petition. He alleged that he heard that the suspects were planning to attack him which led to his action.
Asked whether the serious allegation was borne out of mere hearsay, he said “they had threatened to do that whenever we call for meeting and we have no option than to lay the petition on the table of investigating agency to look into the matter. I won’t say more than that because Police is investigating.”
