Director-General of the National Council of Art and Crafts (NCAC), Olusegun Runsewe, has said that he is wanted in prison because of the protection of national assets kept in his watch.

Justice Jude Okeke of an FCT High Court on Thursday jailed Runsewe for disobeying the order of the court made on December 15, 2017.

The NCAC had kept the Art and Craft Village valued at N9.8 billion shut for some time saying it had become a den of robbers and illicit drug sale.

The judge ruled on a motion filed by a company, Ummakalif Limited, which cited alleged violation of the contractual agreement to develop a part of the Art and Craft Village.

The firm filed the suit against the Minister, Federal Capital Territory; Federal Capital Development Authority; the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture; and the Minister for Culture and Tourism.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja, Runsewe said he was being haunted for protecting national asset.

“The Art and Craft village (Opposite Abuja Sheraton Hotels) valued at N9.8 billion is the reason behind why some people wanted me hounded into jail and removed from office because I refused to dance to their tunes,” he said.

“I will do my best within the ambits of the law to secure and protect Nigerian cultural assets including those outside the shores of Nigeria.”

Runsewe added: “It is a security threat not only to Abuja residents but also to foreigners who engage in early hours exercises through the street in the morning. They were molested by criminals from this location.

“So I wonder why some people are bent on converting government property to a haven of inappropriate engagement. Hence, the police have to close down the place.”

The NCAC boss also said that if the area opens for business, it would provide over 300 jobs to Nigerians and reduce crime rate.

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