Reprieve came the way of the embattled inspector- general of police, Hafiz Ringim yesterday following the expiration of the 24-hour ultimatum he had to produce the escaped Boko Haram suspect, Kabiru Sokoto.
Contrary to expectations that the police boss would get the boot for falling to re-arrest the suspect, the national security adviser, Andrew Azazi set up a committee to investigate IG over the escape of key Boko Haram suspect believed to have masterminded the Chrsitmas Day bombing of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State.
The committee will examine the response of Ringim to the query issued him on the matter to determine the culpability or otherwise of the IG and other police officers who were in charge of the suspect before he allegedly escaped.
The minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, who announced the measure while briefing journalists at the presidential villa, Abuja, yesterday, said the committee had just one week to complete its assignment.
However, he did not disclose names of members of the committee, stating that members comprised, “senior officers, military officers, officers from the ministry and other agents.”
The minister said, “Like I did say the other time, I have given some directives. The inspector-general of police has responded. A committee has been set up above the police, which takes into cognisance, experts in various aspects to come together and conduct another investigation. They have been set to work. I think this is how far we have gone.”