Senate orders probe of Sokoto’s escape (Endless probes)

Posted by admin Legislature, Senate Thursday, January 19th, 2012

The Senate has directed its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the escape of the alleged master-mind of the Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State.

The suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, was earlier arrested by the police at the Borno State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on Saturday, but was said to have escaped from the custody while he was being led to his residence in Abaji, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory for a search.

Chairman of the committee, Mr. Paulinus Igwe, drew the attention of the Senate to the escape of suspect, through a point of order.

He sought the leave of the Senate to commence a probe into the circumstances under which Sokoto escaped with a view to finding a way out of the muddle created by the police.

President of the Senate, David Mark, agreed with Igwe that the committee should investigate the matter and directed that the report be submitted within one week.

Senators expressed shock at the incident, saying it indicated a grave danger to the security of the nation, while blaming the police for treating the issue with levity.

Senator Chris Anyanwu, in her comments said, “I am alarmed and threatened and I know that every Nigerian will be both alarmed and threatened. Many people expected this to happen and it has happened and we cannot continue to exhibit this level of carelessness on this matter.

“What usually happens is that when you release people like that they would go away and come back with greater fury. I am sure that they will come back again and through their activities more people will die. For how long will Nigerians listen to stories from these security operatives, enough. is enough I understand that these people are part of the people that operated in Niger State.”

Senator Pius Ewherido expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the police handled the case, adding that those involved should face the wrath of law.

He said, “I am very surprised considering the havoc the Boko Haram sect has caused us in this country. For the police to treat such a case like that, what occurs to me is that those policemen in charge of the case connived to free the suspect, how will they allow such issue to happen. I think those involved should be brought to book.”

Meanwhile, the Senate has agreed to screen the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Committee, Ibrahim Lamorde, in the Committee of the Whole.

The implication is that instead of allowing Lamorde to face the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, which is the usual practice, he would be screened by the entire Senate.

President Goodluck Jonathan had sent a letter to Senate, asking that Lamorde be confirmed as Chairman of the EFCC.

-Punchwp_posts