'Dokpesi is a victim of political persecution' - Party reacts to AIT boss' arrest

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the arrest of Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of Daar Communications/AIT, as a move by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to clampdown on opposition and the media.

In a statement by the PDP spokesman, Mr Olisa Metuh, on Tuesday, he said the party is aware that the APC-led government has also marked more PDP leaders for arrest over what he described as unproven allegations.

Dokpesi was arrested by the EFCC around 12 noon today over alleged involvement in the arms purchase scandal in which former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki is facing trial.

READ: EFCC arrests Raymond Dokpesi for allegedly collecting N2.1bn from looted arms funds

The AIT boss was said to have been accompanied to the EFCC office by his son, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., who is currently the Chairman of Daar Communications.

The statement read, “While the PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country.

“Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being giving the opportunity within his rights as a citizen to state his own side of the story, the President Buhari-led government is sidestepping the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court, a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders.

“The PDP therefore demands an open and public trial of all those arrested so that all issues and charges against them as well as their defence therein would also be in the public domain. We demand a proper investigation and lawful prosecution instead of the reprehensible resort to outright political persecution, which can only have a place in a military regime.

“We also note that this development may not be unconnected with the planned onslaught against the media, following its commitment in holding this dictatorial regime accountable since it took office.”

READ: EFCC arrests ex-governor, son in connection to alleged arms deal fraud

The party called on the international community and human rights organizations to pay attention to Buhari's “growing impunity and gross violation of human rights".