Police have dismissed claims by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine and opposition supporters that Derick Ssetuba MP aspirant for Buyala East and member of the National Unity platform was violently abducted, saying the suspect was instead lawfully arrested over fraud allegations.
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In a statement issued on Monday, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed that Ssetuba Derrick is being held at Kabalagala Police Station on charges of obtaining money by false pretenses.
Owoyesigyire said Ssetuba is accused of defrauding Namara Omuhereza of UGX 8 million. He added that two more alleged victims have since come forward following his arrest.
“Contrary to social media reports that the suspect was abducted, he was lawfully arrested and is currently detained at Kabalagala Police Station,” Owoyesigyire stated.
The police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing and that the case file will be forwarded to the Office of the Resident State Attorney for perusal and advice.
Earlier in the day, Bobi Wine posted on social media alleging that “comrade Ssetuba Patrick” had been violently abducted around Lugogo and that his whereabouts were unknown. He also linked the incident to what he described as a worsening spate of abductions targeting opposition supporters.
Police, however, maintain that Ssetuba’s arrest followed a complaint and due legal procedure, not an abduction.
Further details on the case are expected as investigations progress.