18th January, 2012
Hafiz Ringim, the Inspector General of Police is in trouble over last Sunday’s escape of Kabiru Sokoto, an alleged Boko Haram chieftain from the Police custody.
The accused was alleged to be the mastermind of Christmas day bombing of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, a suburb of Abuja which claimed over 40 lives. Sokoto escaped from the police investigation team led by Commissioner of Police, Zakari Biu when he was taken to his residence in Abaji, a suburb of Abuja for investigations.
He was arrested a day earlier at Borno State Governor’s Lodge Abuja alongside a military officer.
Caleb Olubolade, the minister of Police Affairs told journalists after the meeting of Federal Executive Council today that Ringim, has been ordered to explain “within 24 hours” the circumstances that led to the suspect’s escape, adding that “If he is found guilty of complicity, he himself will have to account for his mistakes”.
The minister added that anyone, including himself could be fired over the incident.
Olubolade also told journalists that he has directed that Zakari Biu and his team should be immediately detained while investigations continued. The Police authorities had yesterday suspended and queried the police Commissioner over the escape of the Boko Haram chieftain.
— Oluokun Ayorinde/Abuja