From Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

Fifteen out of the 37 suspected political thugs arrested by the Edo State Police in connection with the on-going political crisis at the House of Assembly have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Benin.

The suspects were charged with conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of public peace, unlawful assembly, and unlawful possession of Edo State House of Assembly Identity cards with intent to falsely represent themselves.

The public relations officer of the state command, Noble Uwoh, a deputy superintendent, said in a pressed statement that the suspects came in their numbers to the assembly complex on Monday in an unregistered bus and were found to be in possession of fake staff identity cards which they intended to use to gain entry into the building.

Uwoh, said they were, however, discovered by policemen deployed to maintain law and order at the Assembly and were subsequently arrested.

He called on the people of the state remain law abiding and to go about their lawful businesses without fear.