Canada based Edo citizen, Joshua Etinosa Aikhionbare, has refuted what he described as the false accusations made against him by some members of the Edo State Committee Against Cultism, saying it was a creation for personal aggrandizement.
In a statement issued from his base in Canada, and made available to the media through his lawyer, Aikhionbare stated:
“A few days ago, I received a call from my sister informing me that the Anti-Cultism Committee established by the Edo State Government has falsely implicated me in a recent killing in Benin City.
“The Committee has alleged that I funded and masterminded the crime, despite my absence from Nigeria. It was said that I provided the sum of one million naira (₦1,000,000) for the execution of the crime. I unequivocally deny these allegations and assert that they are baseless, untrue and without merit.
“I am shocked and disturbed by the manner in which this matter has been handled, including the sealing of my uncle’s house in the belief that I resided there prior to my relocation abroad.
“This is entirely untrue, as I have never lived at that address and have only visited on a couple of occasions. The situation has caused significant distress to me and my family.”
He asserted that the circulation of his name on social media platforms “falsely implicating me in this crime, is a blatant attempt to tarnish my reputation and character. My family members and I have received numerous phone calls from friends and associates who saw the news online.
“I categorically state that I had no involvement, directly or indirectly, in the said killing or any other violent act.”
According to him, “I have contacted my lawyers and I assure everyone that has tarnished my image in this matter that they shall have their day in court to prove their allegations.
“I have provided proof that I left Nigeria before the coming in of this current government and I do not have any prior criminal records. I will do everything within the law to defend my reputation and my family name.”
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