The owner of the seven-storey building, which collapsed in Port Harcourt on Friday, have been arrested by the police.

Though the police refused to disclose the identity of the person, it was learnt that he was arrested alongside the contractor handling the private project.

Some persons, who might be remotely or directly involved in the construction of the building, also honoured the invitation of the Rivers State Police Command over the matter.

Also present at the State Police Command to explain the cause of the building collapse were some government officials, who were said to have turned themselves in with a view to disclosing the circumstance that caused the building to cave in.

Recall that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, had during his visit to the site of the collapsed building, ordered the arrest of the owner and any other person that might have contributed to the incident.

Confirming the arrests, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, explained that the arrest and invitation was to assist the police in investigating the circumstances that led to the incident on Woji road in GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt.

Omoni said, “Yes, they have been arrested. They were arrested yesterday. For investigation purpose, we cannot mention names.

“Some others who may be involved are also turning themselves in. Even some government officials are also assisting in the investigation.”

Meanwhile,  Wike has accepted the offer of the Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Dr Reason Onya, to step aside for a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of the seven-storey building in Port Harcourt.

Addressing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Emma Okah, said  the move was to ensure unfettered investigations.

Okah said the state government would continue with the ongoing rescue mission at the site of the collapsed building.