The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Savannah Regional Secretary, Salisu Be-Awurbe, was held by police for over an hour after a purported altercation with some military personnel.
He was at Damongo, the regional capital, while meeting with some fellow party members when he was picked up by the soldiers.
Mr. Be-Awurbe’s detention led to scores of NDC supporters massing up at the Regional Police headquarters in Damage to demand his released.
The MP for Damongo, Adam Muntawakilu, a former Minister for Agriculture Alhaji Mohammed Muniru and other party executives also moved to regional police headquarters to offer support.
Following his release, he told Citi News the military personnel, who were moving in two patrol cars accused one of his colleagues of videoing them.
“They seized his phone, combed through the gallery but they didn’t see any video recording of any sort,” Mr. Be-Awurbe recounted.
At the time, the Regional Secretary said he was also on his phone and said the soldiers subsequently accused
Because he was using his phone, the officers then accused him of video recording them.
Mr. Be-Awurbe, however, says he refused to surrender his phone to the security personnel and claims he was assaulted by one of the soldiers.
“One of them kicked my shin three-time sand even hit me on the stomach,” he recounted.
During his detention, Mr. Be-Awurbe said his lawyers met with police, and the issue has been resolved.
He also said he is not expected to report to the police station again.
Mr. Be-Awurbe further criticised the soldiers for their lack of restraint.
“It is quite unfortunate that military officers will be that apprehensive and make such statements without any hesitation whatsoever,” he said.
In contrast, Mr. Be-Awurbe commended the police exhibiting better professionalism and resolving the tensions.