The senate, yesterday, mandated its committee on police affairs to conduct a thorough investigation into the controversial escape from police custody, of the alleged mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State.
The committee is expected to turn in its report in one week.
The suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, a member of Boko Haram, which claimed responsibility for the attack, was arrested at Borno State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, last Saturday, but escaped under controversial circumstances last Sunday when he was led to his Abaji, Federal Capital Territory(FCT) residence by about 10 policemen.
Commissioner of Police (CP), Zakari Biu, who sent his men on the mission, had been suspended and placed on house arrest by the Police High Command, while the job of the Inspector general of police, Hafiz Ringim was put on the line.
Citing order 42 (2) of the standing rule of the Senate, which deals with matters of urgent public importance, Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Paulinus Igwe raised a motion on the floor of the Senate to probe the escape of the alleged bomber.
“I want to draw the attention of this Senate to the alleged escape of Kabiru Sokoto who allegedly masterminded the Christmas Day 2011 bombing of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State from police custody. I therefore in line with our order 42 (2) rule of this Senate? move a motion on this subject matter on another legislative day”.
President of the Senate, David Mark on his part noted that following discussion earlier with Senator Igwe on the issue, it would be better for the Committee on Police Affairs to launch a full scale investigation into the matter and report back to the Senate within one week.
He said, “What he wants is that the Committee on the police Affairs should commence full investigation because of the nature of the matter which borders on security, I will suggest that the Senate mandate the Committee to commence full investigation and report back to us within one week”.