By Hassan Zaggi (Abuja) and Ibrahim Obansa (Lokoja)
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Ali Janga, over the escape of suspects from custody
The suspects and four others were alleged to be thugs of Senator Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu.
Melaye, Audu were charged with suspects by the police for conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms before the Lokoja High Court..
Idris also ordered the immediate transfer of the Commander, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in Kogi, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) a�?Aa�� Division, Lokoja, and other police officers implicated in the escape.
They were said to be transferred for what the IGP christened a�?negligence, dereliction of duty and gross misconduct in the escape of the six suspects.a�?
They are also to face serious disciplinary action.
In a statement by the Force spokesman, Mr.Moshood Jimoh, he said that 13 other police officers were being detained and investigated for their roles in the escape.
The IGP also directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) for Federal Operations at the Force Headquarters, Mr. Esa Sunday Ogbu, to take over as CP of Kogi.
He said: a�?Furthermore, on the order of the IGP, the IGPa��s Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad, Personnel of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department have already arrived in Kogi State to work with the police personnel in the state for immediate re-arrest of the escaped suspects. They are to also carry out detailed investigation into the escape and bring all those involved to justice,a�? the statement stressed.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Janga, at a press conference, announced that six suspected criminal elements including Kabiru Seidu aka Osama, Nuhu Salisu aka Small, Aliyu Isa, Adams Suleiman, Emmanuel Audu and Musa Mohammed, who were under detention at the ‘A’ Division Lokoja, escaped from lawful custody.
Four of the suspects, he explained, were on court remand including two that indicted Senator Melaye and Audi.
a�?Consequently, all the six suspects, Senator Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu were sent for watch listing and red notice by the INTERPOL for immediate arrest anywhere we see them.
a�?The Command hereby appealed to the members of the public to assist the police with useful information on the whereabouts of the suspects by reporting to the nearest police station.
a�?Investigation into the unfortunate incident is ongoing, while the 13 police officers who were on duty when the incident occurred were defaulted and detained for interrogation,a�? he said.
Melaye threatens to sue IGP
Meanwhile, Senator Melaye has given the IGP a 48-hour ultimatum to produce the two suspects involved in his case who reportedly escaped from police detention in Kogi.
He threatened to sue the IGP for a�?mental assaulta�? should he fail to produce the suspects.
Melaye made the threat in a point of order he raised at the Senate on Wednesday, stating that they are a�?presumed innocent until proven guilty and they also have right to life.a�?
Melaye reminded the Senate of how Senator Isah Misau (APC, Bauchi Central), brought the issue of his alleged persecution by the Nigeria Police before the Upper House on Tuesday as well as its resolution to investigate the matter.
He said: a�?Mr. President, the social media this morning (yesterday) was awash – and I have made confirmation that the suspects in my case who said I gave them guns and money – there is a reported case in Lokoja that there was jail break at 5am and the two suspects have escaped.
a�?We were all supposed to appear before the Lokoja High Court this morning. My lawyers were in court at 9am and the case was called up and the prosecutor of the Nigeria Police could not produce the two persons.
a�?Instead of producing the two persons, they asked the judge to issue a bench warrant for an arrest, but the judge refused to grant their prayers and said that despite the fact that I had not been served, I sent representation to the court. And the main accused persons are absent in court.
a�?So, she cannot grant a bench warrant and the matter has been adjourned till May 10,a�? he said.
He further explained that rumours had it that the suspect were moved from detention and that they may have been killed because yesterday two international organisations were in Kogi based on his petition to find out what was happening.
a�?So, the police must as a matter of urgency produce these two accused persons. Failure to do so, I will sue the IG for mental assault. Nigeria is not a banana republic,a�? he said.
Police/Melaye Saga: IGP fires Kogi CP over suspectsa�� escape
