Benin — Edo State Government yesterday debunked the report in the media on the arrest, in the United States of America of the Special Assistant to the governor on Protocol , Mr. Broderick Itua, for money laundering.

It accused enemies of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state as those behind the malicious publication, saying they take delight in rubbishing the image of the government at the slightest unfounded rumour.

Addressing a press conference in Benin , the state Acting Commissioner for Information, Mr. Anthony Iyalekhue, who is the substantive Commissioner for Works in the recent cabinet reshuffle said at no time did the American security agents quiz any person among the Governor Osunbor's eThe commissioner pointed out that whatever rumours that were being peddled was the handiwork of the political enemies who take delight in fielding the Edo people and the general public with falsehood about the administration of Governor Osunbor.

It would be reacalled that it was widely reported on Wednesday that officials of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested the Special Adviser to the Edo State Government on Protocol, Mr. Itua, for alleged money laundering.He was said to have been questioned and later released at the Logan International Airport in Boston for failing to declare $10,900 in his possession.