BENIN CITY, Nigeria (ChatnewsTV) — Henry Odianosen Okojie, a member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his residence in Uromi on Friday, according to a statement released by his media aide, Michael Ihaza.
Okojie, who represents the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency and is married to Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson, was reportedly attacked by armed men believed to be political thugs.
“The armed thugs, who disguised as police officers, invaded the residence of Hon. Okojie claiming to have an appointment,” Ihaza said in the statement. “They were intercepted by security personnel attached to the lawmaker, which thwarted the planned assassination.”
The assailants, who arrived in a Lexus GX 470 bearing a Rivers State vehicle registration number (PHC 253 FF), fled the scene after being confronted. Two of the attackers escaped, but the driver and one other suspect were apprehended and are currently being interrogated by the Nigeria Police Force in Uromi.
“The suspects have so far made a confessional statement, claiming they were sent on the mission by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Esan North-East Local Government Area,” Ihaza added.
As of the time of this report, the Edo State Police Command has not confirmed the incident.