Senator Austin Akobundu, representing the Abia Central Senatorial District, has firmly denied allegations that he ordered the brutalisation of journalist Toni Icheku in Abia State.
In a statement issued by Jude Ndukwe on behalf of his media office, Akobundu labelled the claims as “one falsehood taken too far.”
The statement expressed that while they would typically disregard such unfounded allegations, they felt it was necessary to address the issue to prevent public misinformation.
“Senator Akobundu is not aware of any such incident, not to talk of ordering it,” the statement read, noting that the Senator was taken aback upon discovering the story circulating on various blogs.
The media office emphasised that those familiar with the Senator, including journalists who have covered him throughout his public service career, understand that he does not engage in such behaviour. The statement described the attempts to malign him as “a wicked fabrication” and a “desperation to seek attention.”
In conclusion, the statement distanced the lawmaker from the accusations, urging the public to disregard the allegations as “the product of mischief, malice, and vendetta.”
