Joe Igbokwe, a prominent chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, has denied reports that he was beaten by a mob at Ladipo Market.
Reports had surfaced online alleging that Igbokwe was physically assaulted by individuals unhappy with his long-standing criticism of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Some people of southeast extraction have also accused him of being anti-Igbo.
Ladipo Market in Mushin, Lagos, is widely recognized as Nigeria’s largest auto spare parts market and is predominantly operated by Igbo traders. Igbokwe himself is from Nnewi in Anambra State.
According to reports, Igbokwe visited Ladipo Market on Friday, June 5, to purchase spare parts for his vehicle. While there, some individuals reportedly recognized him, gathered around him, and openly criticized him.
Speaking on the incident, Igbokwe insisted that he was not assaulted and dismissed the claims circulating online.
According to him, some traders attempted to provoke him, but he chose not to react.
“They were coming. I decided to move away from that place and went to my friend’s shop. My friend then called the leadership of the market, and they came. After that, I decided to leave.
“When I came outside, I saw a lot of people talking and saying different things, but I didn’t respond. I simply drove away.
“The following morning, I saw posts on Facebook claiming Joe Igbokwe was beaten. This is me speaking live. Do I look like somebody who was beaten? They cannot do that in Lagos.”
The APC chieftain maintained that nobody attacked him physically.
“Nothing happened to me. I am okay. Nobody touched me. Nobody came near my face. This is just to set the record straight because many people have been calling me.”
The X video of the incident involving Igbokwe at Ladipo Market can be viewed here.
He further warned against any future attempts to provoke him, saying such incidents should not be repeated.
Igbokwe’s clarification can be watched in full here via his Facebook post.
The incident has generated discussions online, particularly because of Igbokwe’s history of public disagreements with supporters of IPOB and pro-Biafra groups.
Igbokwe’s Home Was Previously Attacked
In October 2021, Igbokwe’s country home in Nnewi, Anambra State, was set ablaze by unknown persons.
At the time, he accused members of IPOB of being responsible for the attack, although he did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
The attack occurred during a period when several prominent figures in the Southeast were being targeted by unidentified gunmen. IPOB denied responsibility for those attacks and distanced itself from the violence.
Igbokwe has remained a vocal political figure and is frequently involved in public debates surrounding national politics, the Southeast region, and issues relating to IPOB.
