By Anayo Okoli

Umuahia—A prominent Umuahia, Abia state based businessman, Mr. Ugochukwu Ikpo has been arrested by a team of policemen from Abuja for his alleged involvement in criminal activities, including armed robbery and kidnapping.

Ikpo’s arrest followed a petition by the traditional ruler of Umudiawa Kingdom, a neihgbouring  community and Chief Smart Ejenonu, a community leader in Umuezehiri, Ugochukwu Ikpo’s community.

The petitioners in the petition by their counsel, Amaobi Agbara, also accused Ikpo of engaging in “militant activities in Abia state and environs”. This, they alleged had led to his “sudden and inexplicable wealth he is currently enjoying”.

But family sources dismissed the allegations of criminal activities against their son, saying the real issue was a “disagreement over land and mere envy over the young man’s success in business”.

The source claimed that Ikpo had disagreed with the people over their  request to construct a road on a portion of land he bought, which he plans to use for a gas plant.

The source said Ikpo accepted to release some portion of the land, so that he can make good use of the remaining but the leaders were alleged to have rejected the portion of land he released to them, insisting  on a particular area.