C’River: ‘I Did Not Abduct my worker–Asu Njoh denies

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

A cocoa farmer operating in Abonita government cocoa estate in Etung local government Areas of cross river state Mr. Asu Njoh, has debunked the allegations leveled against him by another farmer Mr. Mac Prince Mbu- Liku, that he abducted his 24 years old worker

Njoh dispelled the allegation while answering questions from journalists on the abduction of Mac Prince’s worker shortly after leaving the Area Command police station Okuni community, Ikom local government area.

Mark Prince Mbu Liku had a week ago raised alarm alleging that one of the farmers in the cocoa estate abducted his worker.

However upon findings at the Area command Okuni, Ikom local government area, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Mr. Frank Akanonu, said that he had one Mike Igwe, among Mark Prince’s workers whom the command released among the four suspects in the custody over a case between Mark Prince Mbu Liku and Mr ASU Njor.

He accused Mbu Liku, of raising false alarm in a bid to tarnish a reputation that he had invested so much to build stressing that it was ridiculous for any right thinking individual to link him with abduction of a worker

“The false alarm raised by Mr. Mbu Liku in the media space complaining of his missing worker by name Mike, requesting for intervention of Cross River state governor Bassey Otu, is unfounded and meant to mislead the public.

“Mike a resident of Etomi community, Etung local government area of Cross River State in company of one Mr. Emmanuel Chuckwuma a resident of Okundi community, Ikom local government area was caught with two accomplices in Block 7B/77 and Block 8C/77 at Abonita stealing cocoa pods.

“They were apprehended by the allottees of government and handed over to police at Agbokim Police station, who later handed them over to the.Area Command.

“The Investigating Police Officer IPO upon taking their statements, released 2 of the hired laborers’ on bail , while Mike Igwe-Nwadike and Francis Chukwuma,for prosecution.

“The same Mike who Mbu Liku claimed to be missing, in the early hours of July 26, 2024. Emmanuel Chukwuma, in company of others numbering 30 were sighted at Abonita cocoa estate stealing cocoa under the cover of some men in military uniform.

“I begin to wonder what would prompt men of the Nigerian Army to engage in settlement of petty issues and disagreement, harassing and intimidating Agbokim community locals.

“A lot of them have stooped so low to be working for the said Mr. Mark Prince Mbu Liku, giving him and his cohorts cover to encroach into people’s cocoa farms at Abonita government cocoa estate.

“The harvest and plunder of cocoa beans from farms in possession by government allottees. In like manner, Mr. Victor Bekeh and Thomas Inambi on August 2,2024 were chased out of Block 7c/77 by seven soldiers allegedly sent by Mark Prince Mbu-Liku.

“And when the men engaged by Mbu Liku to invade peoples farms are arrested by police, men purported to have left their duty post at Afi Barracks, Edor Ikom local government area on the order of their superior storm the police station and release suspects interfering with the legal process.

“A case at hand is that of Mike Igwe, and Emmanuel Chukwuma, who were arrested on July 29 and 30, 2024and were forced to be released by the IPO through the intervention of the commanding officer (CO), Afi
Barracks, pressuring the Area Commander, Akanonu Frank for the release of suspects who were eventually released.

When contacted for reaction, the Army Public Relations officer 13 Brigade headquarters Akim Barracks Càlabar, Captain Jamila Jumoh, who said she had no knowledge of the allegations promised to dig into the matter.