Imam Wanted For Incitement & Flouting Okowa’s Orders, Defends Self

An Ughelli, Delta State-based Imam wanted by the police for flouting lockdown orders instituted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has risen up in defence of himself.

Mohammed Okotie, the Imam of Ekakpamre Mosque in Ughelli South local government area of Delta allegedly disobeyed lockdown orders, incited hundreds of Muslim faithful against the government and also attempted to attack the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Otu-Jeremi police station, CSP N. Uzorchukwu, who came to the mosque to arrest him last Friday

The Eagle understands that this action by the Imam prompted the state commissioner of police, Hafiz Inuwa, to order his arrest and also for his worshipers who attended last Friday’s Jumat service in the mosque to be fished out.

Speaking to Vanguard Monday, he denied ever being on the run, adding: “Owing to the situation on ground, I only traveled out of town for a while and continued with my prayers of which you know we are currently fasting. “The DPO actually told me that the Area Commander wanted to see me before I traveled, but I will go and see him when I return.”