Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, a federal lawmaker representing Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State and husband to Nollywood star Mercy Johnson, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his residence in Uromi on Friday morning. The attack, suspected to be politically motivated, was carried out by armed men posing as police officers.
According to a statement by Okojie’s media aide, Michael Ihaza, the assailants arrived at the lawmaker’s residence in a Lexus GX 470 vehicle bearing a Rivers State registration number, PHC 253 FF. The attackers reportedly gained access to the home by disguising as police officers and claiming they were on an appointment with the lawmaker.
However, their plan was foiled when security personnel attached to Okojie intervened. “Two of the armed thugs fled, leaving behind their driver and one other individual who are currently being interrogated by police officers from the Uromi Area Command,” the statement revealed.
The suspects have allegedly confessed that they were sent by political leaders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Esan North-East Local Government Area, further heightening tensions as Edo State prepares for upcoming elections.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
