By Reuben Olafe Aluko
Egbe, Kogi State – An independent investigation has found no evidence linking the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Steve Sunday Karimi, to the arrest of some chiefs in Egbe, effectively dismissing allegations that he masterminded the incident.
The probe, conducted by an investigative desk, followed claims by a faction of chiefs led by Doyin Bolaji, who had publicly accused the lawmaker of orchestrating their arrest during the height of the Egbe traditional crisis.
Findings from the investigation revealed that the group operates as a dissenting faction within the Egbe traditional institution and is not officially recognized by the Egbe Traditional Council, headed by the Elegbe of Egbe, Ayodele Irukera.
According to the report, the crisis originated in 2024 following disputes over the vacant stool of Oba Ijalu, a development that triggered unrest and deep divisions within the community after the emergence of Luke Sunday Olokun.
On the issue of the arrests, the investigation established that the action was based on a formal complaint processed through law enforcement channels. It found no verifiable communication, petition, or evidence connecting Senator Karimi to the arrests.
The report further disclosed that while the accusing group had made public allegations against the senator, some members privately admitted that they lacked evidence to support their claims and had engaged in reconciliation efforts.
Several stakeholders, including religious leaders and community figures, were said to have intervened, leading to a peace meeting convened with the approval of the traditional authority. At the meeting, the group reportedly offered an apology to Senator Karimi but declined to make a public retraction.
It was also confirmed that the senator initially sought legal redress but later withdrew the case before it was assigned, citing the need to preserve peace in the community.
Despite the reconciliation efforts, the report noted that the group has continued to repeat the allegations in public, contributing to renewed tension in Egbe.
The investigation also highlighted Senator Karimi’s contributions to community development, including the construction of a modern palace and the facilitation of a Forward Operating Base to enhance security in the area.
Concluding that the allegations against the senator were unsubstantiated, the report attributed the controversy largely to internal divisions within the Egbe traditional structure.
It recommended an independent review by relevant authorities to establish the full circumstances surrounding the arrests and to help restore confidence and stability in the community.
