Assaulted Edo Activist Okhani Denies APC Allegations Linking Him to Killing of Governor Okpebholo’s Aide
Comrade Christopher Okhai Okhani, the assaulted activist and Convener of the Edo North Unity Forum Worldwide, has strongly denied allegations linking him to the killing of a security aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The accusations were made by Jarrett Tenebe, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.
Tenebe claimed that a petition had been submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) naming Okhani among individuals who allegedly opened fire on police officers at the Benin Airport during an incident preceding the 2024 governorship election.
He also referenced a photo showing Okhani allegedly involved in a cult-related altercation.
Responding to the allegations in an interview with SaharaReporters, Okhani dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
He pointed out that just days before the election, on September 15, 2024, he was hosted by Tenebe himself, questioning why he had not been arrested if the accusations were true. Okhani explained that the meeting was to discuss potential developmental projects for Edo North and the state.
Okhani also addressed reports of an unauthorized use of a council hall, clarifying that permission had been granted by the acting chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council, Hon. Valentine Okuilagwe.
In contrast, Tenebe maintained that Okhani was implicated in the petition submitted earlier to police authorities and called for his immediate arrest, asserting that Okhani was one of those who shot at police officers. He criticized Okhani’s claim of interviewing him as unfounded.
The APC’s petition, dated August 4, 2025, and signed by their Legal Adviser Stephen I. Okoror Esq., accuses Okhani of leading the attack that resulted in the death of Inspector Akor, a police officer attached to Governor Okpebholo.
The petition alleges that Okhani fled after the incident but has since resurfaced in Edo North, allegedly leading another armed group.
Okoror urged police authorities to arrest Okhani and his associates promptly to ensure justice is served.
