Member of Parliament for Bumpe–Ngao Chiefdom in Bo District, Hon. Charles D. Abdulai, has strongly denied allegations that he assaulted former Inspector General of Police, Michael Ambrose Sovula, describing the claims as “fabricated and politically motivated.”

The lawmaker made the remarks on Friday, 30 January 2026, while responding to a media report titled “CID Probes Alleged Assault on Former Inspector General in Bo,” which accused him of orchestrating an attack on the ex-police chief at the Bo Police Station on 5 January 2026.

According to the earlier publication, the former IGP was allegedly pelted with stones by youths said to be acting on the orders of the MP. The report further quoted David Sovula, younger brother of the former IGP, as claiming that Hon. Charles D. Abdulai personally participated in the assault and even used his mobile phone to strike Michael Sovula.

But speaking to this medium, Hon. Charles D. Abdulai dismissed the accusations as “complete lies,” insisting he was at the police station in his official capacity to report an alleged case of torture involving religious leaders and community people in Bumpe–Ngao Chiefdom.

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Hon. Charles D. Abdulai explained that on 5 January he received calls that an imam, a pastor and several youths had been allegedly tortured by armed men believed to be linked to the Sovula family. Acting on the advice of the current Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, he said he went to the Bo Police Station to make an official statement.

“While I was there, the former IGP and his group suddenly arrived and rushed towards me in an aggressive manner,” Hon. Charles D. Abdulai alleged.

“There was confusion but at no point did I assault him or throw any object at him.”

He rejected claims that he used his phone to hit Michael Sovula, arguing that the device remains intact without any damage.

“Anybody with common sense will know that story does not add up. How can I destroy my own expensive phone to attack someone?” he asked.

The MP acknowledged that tension in the chiefdom has been high following the recent Paramount Chieftaincy election won by Alfred Sovula Gbandoma II, son of the former IGP. However, he denied inciting residents against the new chief or asking them not to pay local taxes.

He maintained that a court order had earlier restrained the inauguration of the chief pending the hearing of an election petition and that many residents were simply insisting on respect for the legal process.

“The people are not refusing to pay tax because of me; they are saying the process was illegal. Government must look into that matter again,” he said.
Hon. Charles D. Abdulai shifted focus to what he described as serious human rights violations in the chiefdom, alleging that armed men loyal to the Sovula family had tortured religious leaders and civilians.

“The imam and pastor were brutalised. Families are crying. Nobody is talking about that,” he stated, calling on Government, the police and human rights organisations to investigate the claims.

He further questioned why the former IGP still commands armed men in civilian clothes despite being retired, adding: “Citizens are not safe if private individuals move around with guns and intimidate people.”

The MP said he welcomes the ongoing probe by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and is ready to cooperate fully.

“Let the AIG, the police officers who were present and independent witnesses speak. The truth will come out,” he insisted.

He also urged Parliament to examine the incident noting that he was at the station as a representative of his constituents.

“Obstructing me that day was obstructing Parliament. I did nothing outside the code of conduct of a Member of Parliament,” Hon. Charles D. Abdulai added.

In the earlier report, David Sovula alleged that Hon. Charles D. Abdulai threatened to kill the former IGP and was behind a group of youths that attacked him. He linked the hostility to the chieftaincy election and accused the MP of undermining the authority of the new Paramount Chief.

Concluding his response, Hon. A Charles D. Abdulai described the claims as a desperate attempt to cover up alleged abuses in Bumpe–Ngao Chiefdom.

“These are lies from frustrated people who know investigations are coming,” he said. “I have no reason to harm the former IGP. I believe in the rule of law.”