Family Pleads With Okpebholo For The Release Of Detained Aide
A former aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Collins Aigbogun, remains in detention as his family appeals for his release, saying he has been held without charges despite investigations finding nothing against him.
Aigbogun, who once served as Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, was arrested on January 11, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services and later handed over to the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department on January 14.
Although he was kept in custody for days without arraignment, security agencies later secured a 14-day court order on January 16 to extend his detention.
The arrest followed unrest in Ekpoma after a resident was kidnapped and killed, which led to a protest in the town. Family sources said Aigbogun was first accused of backing the protest, but investigators reportedly found no link.
The claim later changed to allegations that he planned the killing to stir the protest, an accusation the family said also collapsed after police inquiries were concluded with no incriminating findings.
Searches were carried out at his homes in Benin and Ekpoma, as well as his former office at the Government House, but nothing linking him to any crime was allegedly discovered. Despite this, he remains in custody while others questioned over the protest, including dozens of students, have been released.
She insisted her husband could not have turned against an administration he served and pleaded for his release so he can return home while any remaining issues are addressed.
