Abia Foils Plan To Smuggle 50 Youths

The Abia government says it has uncovered plans by some people to smuggle 50 persons to South Africa in the name of the state government.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Kingsley Emereuwa, said this in Umuahia on Wednesday while briefing newsmen.

According to him the suspects have connection with a politician in the state.

He said those behind this unwholesome act allegedly forged the signature of the incumbent deputy governor to actualise their mission.

Emereuwa said: “A visa application was made in favour of the 50 youths on the grounds that they were going for different types of courses in Johannesburg on the state government’s expense.

“The South African High Commissioner in Nigeria wrote the state government to confirm the authenticity of the visa application made in favour of the 50 persons through the office of the incumbent deputy governor.

“Government then refuted the claim and the prime suspect was subsequently apprehended and handed over to security operatives for investigation.”

He said the suspect revealed that the government letter head on which the application was made was given to him by the suspected politician’s aide.

The letter of undertaking for sponsorship written with the seal and alleged signature of the incumbent deputy governor with reference number ABGH/D-GOV/VOL.1/44 was dated Oct. 6.

Emeruwa said the state government was not aware of any such programmme.

He said the matter had been handed over to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Rafiz Ringim for investigation.