Operatives of Interpol have arrested the Edo State commissioner for arts, culture and tourism, Mr Osaze Osemwingie-Ero, for alleged money laundering.
The commissioner was reportedly arrested and detained by INTERPOL in France in November for being in possession of $2m.
A source however said the said the state government was aware of Osemwingie-Ero’s questioning by INTERPOL for an offence allegedly committed before his appointment.
On the $2million found on the commissioner, the source said it was yet to be confirmed.
But the Edo State Government in its reaction yesterday said the alleged arrest of Osemwingie-Ero had nothing to do with Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The special adviser to the governor on media and communication strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said the state government could not confirm the alleged arrest of the commissioner.
“We learnt about the alleged arrest of the arts, culture, tourism and diaspora commissioner, Mr. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero, from unreliable sources on social media and we are unable to confirm either the alleged arrest or what might have led to it.
“But we can confirm without equivocation that whatever the issues might be, they are totally personal and have nothing whatsoever to do with the Edo State Government or Governor Godwin Obaseki.”
