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Tag: IG

  • IG hails policemen, other security agencies

    INSPECTOR General (IG) Ibrahim Idris has hailed the conduct of policemen and other security agencies deployed for the just concluded election in Ekiti State.

    The IG had before the election deployed 30,000 personnel, two helicopters, Armoured Personnel Carrier  (APC), 150 patrol vehicles and others as part of measures to ensure a hitch-free election.

    The commendation was contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, an Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Acting DCP).

    The statement reads: “The Inspector General has expressed utmost satisfaction and commends the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, the entire Police personnel, officers and men of other security and safety agencies deployed to complement the Nigeria Police, in the implementation of the security arrangement for the just concluded Ekiti State gubernatorial election.

    “The IG deeply appreciates the high-level commitment of the police personnel and that of other security and safety agencies in ensuring adequate security, secure and conducive environment for a free and fair gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

    “The IG further extols the high level of professionalism, civility, politeness, firmness and unbiased conducts of the police personnel and that of other security and safety agencies, before, during and after the election.

    “As a lead security agency in election security in a democracy, the IG further commends the entire police personnel deployed for the election for their personal sacrifice, collective patriotism and commitment in ensuring that the election was conducted in an atmosphere of peace devoid of any breach of public peace and security throughout the period of the election.

    “The Police Commissioners and their personnel in the contiguous states to Ekiti State, who were placed on red alert by the IG, are equally appreciated.”

    The police boss also commended residents of Ekiti, traditional rulers, religious leaders, INEC officials, election observers, media and other stakeholders for their conduct during the election.

    The Force said the good disposition and spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by most of the political parties in the election doused fear and tensions during the election.

    It also stated that it would continue to sustain the elections security successes recorded in gubernatorial elections in Edo, Ondo and Anambra States and the just concluded one in Ekiti State as an index for the conduct of subsequent elections in the country.

  • ‘Assaulted’ lawyer petitions Ambode, IG

    A lawyer, Olalekan Karimu, has petitioned Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris, for allegedly being assaulted by two policemen.

    The lawyer was seen in a video which went viral last Wednesday being slapped and threatened with guns by the officers from the Lion Building Police Command, in Lagos.

    Karimu, a former employee in the law firm of Olawore & Co of 28/30 McCarthy Street, Lagos Island, claimed in the July 5 petition, that the police were invited by his former employer.

    According to Lagos State Police Commissioner, Imohimi Edgal, the firm’s senior partner is Mr Oluyomi Olawore.

    In a statement on July 5, Edgal queried the Lion Building Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and ordered the trial of the officers.

    He warned that Karimu and his principal may face trial, if found culpable.

    Edgal added: “Barrister Oluyomi Olawore sent a distress call to the police through one of his junior partners, requesting that he be rescued from another junior partner by name Barrister Olakunle Kareem whom he alleged was about to use unlawful force on him having disconnected the firms’ CCTV cameras and locked up all doors leading into the firm and by so doing, held Barrister Olawore hostage inside his office.

    “It was based on the complaint that the DPO in charge of Lion Building dispatched policemen to the troubled chamber to bring the feuding lawyers over for interrogation.”

    But Karimu’s petition alleged that an attempt was made to “cover up this case.”

    The cousin to a former Minister of Communications Gen. Tajudeen Olarewaju, alleged that he was assaulted, harassed and threatened.

    Karimu said: “On June 29, men of the Nigerian Police Station at Lion Building Police Command, Lagos, on the instructions and supervision of my employer in his office, in Onikan, Lagos assaulted me.

    “Being employed as a consultant in the law office, the employment agreement given to me says that I am to receive my receipts of withholding tax deducted and payment of my salary in lieu of termination of notice.

    “I was, however, summoned on the 31st of May, 2018 that my services would be terminated on June 29th, 2018 without handing over tax receipts or salary but instead, issued a postdated cheque which was subsequently rejected by the bank over irregularity, upon presentation.”

    Karimu said he tried to explain what happened and get another cheque, but his employer declined to re-issue or sign the returned cheque. Rather he invited the police.

    In a statement on July 6, Olawore refuted claims that he procured policemen to assault Karimu.

    Olawore said: “I have watched the viral video of Mr. Kunle Karimu (my former colleague in chambers) being assaulted by policemen and I state without equivocation that I did not give any instruction to that effect and find his treatment reprehensible. The assault of any person (whether by a private citizen or law-enforcement officer) is unacceptable and should be deprecated.

  • IG places AIGs, CPs on red alert

    The Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has placed Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the country on red alert.

    The Police chief explained the directive is imperative following the killing of seven policemen in Abuja by yet- to- be identified gunmen.

    The policemen were killed at an observation post in Galadimawa roundabout in Abuja on Monday.

    Idris also ordered security and crime prevention strategies be fortified in all police formations with special attention on places of worship, schools, markets, venues of recreation and other public spaces to forestall any untoward incident.

    He also said his men should embark on massive raids of criminal hideouts and black spots across the country.

    These were contained in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force Spokesman, Ag.DCP Jimoh Moshood.

    The statement reads: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has ordered all Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands and their Supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police and other Police Formations nationwide to be on red-alert with immediate effect to nip in the bud and prevent crimes and criminalities in their States.

    “This directive from the IGP is consequent on the recent ambush attack and killing of seven Policemen at Galadimawa roundabout, FCT, Abuja on the 2nd July, 2018 by armed robbers /bandits.

    “The IGP promptly on the 3rd July, 2018 set-up a team of Specialised Crack Investigation Detectives, Police Scene of Crime Experts and Technical Intelligence Unit of the Force to investigate the ambush attack and killing of seven policemen, the investigation team have so far arrested five suspects connected to the killings.

     

    “However, there is the need to beef-up security throughout the country to enhance and ensure adequate security and protection of lives and properties across the nation.”

     

  • Senate resolution on IG: Court fixes Sept 25 for judgment

    A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has scheduled judgment for September 25 in a suit by Inspector General (IG) Ibrahim Idris against the Senate and its President, Bukola Saraki.

    Justice John Tsoho chose the date yesterday after listening to IG’s lawyer, Alex Izinyon (SAN), argued on behalf of his client and urged the court to grant the plaintiff’s prayers.

    The IG is challenging the propriety of the May 9, 2015 resolution of the Senate, which described him as “an enemy of democracy and unfit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria”.

    He is praying the court to, among others, quash the resolution on the grounds that it lacked the powers to so act.

    At the beginning of proceedings, Izinyon told the court that his client has complied with it June 7 ruling, granting leave to begin the suit for judicial review and to serve processes, including the ruling on the respondents, through the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    He said despite being served, the respondents have failed to file any process (document) in response to the suit.

    After going through the court’s record, Justice Tsoho said it was true that the plaintiff complied with the order of the court made on June 7, and that the defendants did not file any response, which shows that they are not willing to defend the case.

    The judge then granted the request by the plaintiff’s lawyer to have the case decided on the processes filed by the plaintiff.

    Izinyon consequently identified the processes filed by his client, adopted same and prayed the court to grant the plaintiff’s reliefs.

    The lawyer particularly prayed the court to quash the purported gazette by the Senate, that declared that the plaintiff as unfit to hold public office within and outside the country.

    Izinyon argued that the Senate, being a legislative arm of government, lacked the constitutional capacity to reach such conclusions and make such pronouncements.

    The IG, in a supporting affidavit, described the May 9 resolution of the Senate as “legislative judgment”.

    He argued that the conduct of the respondents in the proceedings leading to resolution was borne out of the “hatred and undisguised contempt” they allegedly harbour against him.

    The suit in which Justice Tsoho reserved judgment yesterday, is one of two suits filed by the IG against the Senate and its President.

    In the second suit, scheduled for hearing on June 29, is challenging the propriety of the Senate’s insistence that he must appear, in person, before it in relation to the Senate’s purported probe of the ongoing trial of its member, Dino Melaye, on criminal charges.

  • IG replaces Plateau police chief

    Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris has appointed Mr Bala Ciroma as Plateau State Commissioner of Police.

    State polie spokesman Terna Tyopev made this known in a statement yesterday in Jos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ciroma replaced Mr Undie Adie, who was posted to the state late last year.

    Tyopev said Ciroma was before his new position in charge of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.

    He said that the Yobe born police officer attended University of Maiduguri and graduated in 1988.

    “He joined the force as Cadet Assistant Superintendent in 1990 and had served in various Capacities,” he said.

  • Eid-el-Fitri: IG orders massive deployment of policemen nationwide

    INSPECTOR-General (IG) Ibrahim Idris yesterday ordered massive deployment of policemen across the country, as part of measures to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitri celebration.

    According to the directive, police personnel are expected to be deployed to praying grounds, recreation centres, public places and other areas.

    A statement issued in Abuja by the Force spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood, reads: “The Inspector General of Police has directed Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of zones and state commands nationwide to beef up security and ensure massive deployment of police personnel to all Eid praying grounds and other venues of celebration throughout the country, to prevent crime and ensure hitch-free celebration.

    “This operation will cover recreation centres, public places and critical infrastructure and public utilities.

    “Federal Highway patrol teams and anti-crime patrols have been deployed along major roads and highways throughout the country for the protection of public highways and major roads to ensure safety of travellers, commuters and other road users.”

    Moshood stated that the personnel are under strict instruction to be civil, polite and firm in carrying out their duties.

    Moshood said visibility patrols and surveillance, raiding of criminal hideouts and black spots, which are ongoing throughout the country, are aimed at removing criminal elements from the society.

    Also yesterday, Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Muhammadu, ordered the deployment of 45,000 personnel for the festival.

    He urged the state commandants to work in synergy with other sister agencies and urged the personnel to be civil and diplomatic in their approach to the populace.

    He said the personnel should be deployed to prayer grounds, shopping centres, malls, recreation centres, black spots and areas considered to be vulnerable to attack.

    According to a statement issued by the NSCDC spokesman, Emmanuel Okeh, the NSCDC boss said that hoodlums, vandals, terrorists and those with nefarious act targets festive periods to carry out their dastardly acts.

  • IG accuses Saraki, Senate of harbouring hatred for him

    A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has given nod to plan by the Inspector General (IG), Ibrahim Idris, to sue for an order quashing the May 9, 2015 resolution of the Senate, which described him as “an enemy of democracy and unfit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria”.

    In an ex-parte ruling, Justice John Tsoho granted leave to the IG to file an originating summons for judicial review of the said resolution made on May 9 this year by the Senate, for the purpose of quashing it.

    The judge ordered that processes in the suit, including the ruling, to be served on the respondents – the Senate and its President, Bukola Saraki – through the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    He said the service of the processes through the Clerk of the Senate shall be deemed proper and valid service.

    Justice Tsoho gave the ruling after IGP’s lawyer Alex Izinyon (SAN) moved the application and prayed the court to grant it.

    The proceedings yesterday were separate from a pending suit equally file by the IG, challenging the legitimacy of the Senate’s insistence that he must appear before the legislative house in person in relation to the Senate’s purported probe of the trial of its member, Dino Melaye, on criminal charges.

    Idris, in an affidavit supporting his ex-parte application that was moved yesterday, described the May 9 resolution of the Senate as “legislative judgment”.

    He argued that the conduct of the respondents, in the proceedings leading to resolution, was borne out of the “hatred and undisguised contempt” they allegedly harbour against him.

    The IG said the conduct of the Senate and its President, Saraki, during the “votes and proceedings” leading to the May 9, 2018 resolution “is palpable of bias, deep rooted prejudice, visible hatred, and undisguised contempt of me”.

    He added: “That I was informed by my lead counsel, Dr. Alex A. Izinyon, SAN, in his office at No. 1 Kinshasa Street, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja on May 20, 2018 about 5:30pm of the following facts, which I verily believe to be true:

    “That the respondents lack the competence and/or jurisdiction to impose penal sanction on me under section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “That the respondents act ultra vires its powers under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by imposing on me penal sanction unknown to law contained in the said gazette dated 9th May, 2018.”

    The IG added that the conduct of the respondents throughout the votes and proceedings that led to the said resolution showed “deep rooted prejudiced, visible hatred and undisguised contempt for me”.

    “That the said votes and proceedings leading to the resolution contained in the said gazette wherein sanction was imposed on me is a legislative judgment.

    “That this court has the supervisory power to quash the said resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018,” he said.

    The IG, in the originating summons, is praying the court for “order of certiorari” quashing “the entire votes and proceedings” leading to the “resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018”.

    He also prayed for the same order “quashing same the report of the Ad hoc Committee investigating the various allegations levelled against the applicant (Idris) that led to the said resolution contained in the gazette dated May 9, 2018”.

    Hearing in the case has been fixed for June 27.

     

     

     

  • IG orders F-SARS chief to sue Rivers govt

    •Fakorede says he was slandered in publications

    The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the Rivers State Commander of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS), Mr. Akin Fakorede, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), to sue the government for libellous publications against him.

    A May 17 letter, signed by the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer (PSO), Usman Umar, authorised the commander to sue the state.

    The letter, passed through the Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, reads “I refer to your letter No. CB:3960/RVS/VOL.1/3, dated May 16, 2018 with its attachment on the aforementioned subject (request for authorisation to seek legal/civil remedy against continuous publication of false, malicious and libellous publications against ACP Akin Fakorede by the Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and agents of the Rivers State government) and respectfully convey the approval of the IGP that you direct the officer (Fakorede) to go to court, please.”

    The authorisation to sue Wike and Rivers came after IGP exonerated the commander in Rivers of allegations levelled against him.

    Fakorede, a lawyer, in his request for authorisation, with reference number: CB:3960/RVS/F-SARS/VOL.2/8, addressed to IGP, passed through the commissioner and dated May 15, said he wanted permission to institute legal action, seeking an injunction against the continuous publication of the false advertisements against him.

    The F-SARS said: “In the last one month, the Rivers State government has taken up paid advertisements on the front and inside pages of major national daillies in the country, alleging falsely that some staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), specifically one Mary Tunkoyo and Dr. C. Odekpe were assaulted by my person and I am presently engaging in the plotting, training, recruiting and arming of a special squad in Kaduna, Abuja and Port Harcourt, for the purpose of rigging the 2019 elections.

    “These allegations are not only false, but are very malicious, more so considering the fact that the so-called INEC report has been investigated extensively by the IGP’s Special Investigation Panel and I was completely and totally exonerated from blame, as the evidence of all the parties attest to our (F-SARS operatives’) good work of protecting INEC staff under attack.

    “It is my humble appeal that I be granted the authorisation of the IGP to seek an injunction against the malicious publications, which are causing irreparable damage to the image of the Nigeria Police Force, my reputation and the good name of my family.”

    Wike claimed Fakorede  was indicted for the 2015 elections and rerun, and allegedly colluded with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The IGP’s  December 7 letter of exoneration, signed by the Deputy Force Secretary 2, DCP M. C. Mukaddas, addressed to the then Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Fakorede, Akingbade Victor, read: “You will recall that you were queried for act of serious misconduct, vide letter: AP: 41985/FS/FHQ/ABJ/13 of March 9, 2017. The IGP has carefully considered your representation to the query and found that you are not blameable.”

    “He (IGP) has decided that you be exonerated and you are hereby so exonerated, with effect from December 5, 2017. You are to acknowledge receipt of this letter through the appropriate channel, please.”

    Wike, however, claimed page 66 of the report of INEC into the Rivers rerun indicted the F-SARS commander in Rivers, alleging that Fakorede was accused of hostage taking, hijack of electoral materials and physical attacks on INEC’s officials.

    Wike called on Rivers people and lovers of democracy to stand up and say no to any officer who would steal their votes and still assault the people.

     

     

  • Saraki, IG fight dirty over arrested killer-cult suspects

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Wednesday accused Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris of plotting to frame him up “to settle scores.”

    The police rejected the claim, vowing that it would not allow anybody to obstruct the course of justice.

    According to Saraki, the transfer of some cultism suspects, who were arrested in Kwara State and were under investigation by the police in Ilorin, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, was meant to coerce them into  implicating him.

    In a statement he read to the Senate at plenary, Saraki said: “Last night, my State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, revealed to me an information at his disposal that a group of suspects who had been in police cells for several weeks for cultism and whose investigation had been concluded with prosecution about to commence under the State law based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the Ministry of Justice were ordered to be transferred to Abuja this morning.

    “According to the information available to the Governor, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim directed the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State to immediately transfer the men to the Force Headquarters. The plan, as the Governor was made to understand is that, under duress, the suspects would be made to alter the statements they already made in Ilorin. They will then be made to implicate the Kwara State Government, and in particular, myself, in their new statement.

    “This plot is part of the strategy by the IGP Idris to settle scores over the declaration by this honourable Chamber that he is not qualified and competent to hold any public office, within and outside the country and that he is an enemy of Nigerian democracy based on his usual disrespectful conduct towards lawful authorities.

    “In my own view, this plot is an act of desperation, blackmail, intimidation, abuse of office and crude tactics aimed at turnlng our country into a Police State where top officials cannot be made to obey the law, follow due process and subject themselves to constituted authorities.

    “I want to bring this dangerous development to the attention of all of you my colleagues, the entire country and the international community so that you can be aware of the level of impunity in our country and the danger it constitutes to our democracy.”

    The Kwara State Government said it was concerned about the transfer of four suspected cult members from the state police command to Abuja.

    Director of Public Persecution (DPP) Jimoh Adebimpe Mumini said the offences “are state-based and triable under the state laws”.

    The DPP, who wondered why four out of the 17 accused persons were transferred to Abuja, said the state had successfully prosecuted some notorious cases of cultism in the past.

    “We had cases of   notorious and dangerous killers in the state, which have been handled in the state. Our hope is that the Nigeria Police Force will return the four accused persons to the state for trial.”

    Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor Chief Leke Ogungbe, said the state security council hoped that the transfer of the suspects “is not politically- motivated”.

    But the Police dismissed the Senate President’s and Kwara State government’s claim as “untrue, misleading and an obstruction”.

    The statement urged the Senate President “not to interfere with police investigation,” warning that “until investigation is concluded, any person (s) or group(s) who tries to interfere in the investigation process by action or utterances is committing an offence.”

    The police said they were “shocked at the unbelievable claims, unverifiable allegations and unfounded accusations being peddled against the IGP by the Senate President, accusing the Inspector General”.

    In “setting the records straight”, the police said the Kwara State Police Command on May 11 paraded six suspects in Ilorin. They named the suspects as

    1. Abolaji Safti Ojulari of Kankatu area, Ilorin.
    2. Lanre  Mohammed Soliu (a.k.a Askari) of Ile Nda Compound, Ilorin.

    iii.      Azeez Moyaki of Moyaki Compound, Gambari Area Ilorin.

    1. Suleiman Babatunde of Gambari Area, Ilorin.
    2. Yusuf Habeeb of Kangile Village, Kulende, Ilorin and
    3. Umar Yahaya of Kangile Village, Kulende, Ilorin.

    “The suspects admitted and confessed before the press and the public to have killed 11 innocent persons in Kwara State and other states.

    “The victims, according to the suspects, were targeted and killed on the instructions of their sponsors.”

    The statement listed those killed “in cold blood” as:  (i) Bukola Ajikobi, killed on 18/01/2016 at Ajikobi Area in Ilorin (ii) Azeez Lawal, killed in February, 2018 at Oja Oba area of Ilorin (iii) Lateef (Surname unknown), killed February, 2018 at Ode Alfa Nda area of Ilorin (iv) Jamiu (Surname unknown), killed in February 2018 at Idi Ape area, Ilorin (v) One Segun (Surname unknown), killed in September, 2017 at Kankatu area of Ilorin (vi) Wasiu (Surname unknown), killed in September 29, 2016 at Shao Garage of Ilorin (vii) Musiliu (surname unknown), killed in February, 2018 at Shao Area, Ilorin (viii) Bayo Ajia, killed on January 18, 2018 at Taiwo Road, Ilorin (ix) Another Lateef, killed in January 2016 at Baboko Area of Ilorin (x) Abbey, a student of Kwara Polytechnic, killed in April, 2017 at Niger Road, Ilorin (xi) Lanre (surname unknown), killed on 23rd August, 2015 at Isale Aluko Area of Ilorin.

    “Consequent upon the public confessions, the statutory procedure and practice in the Force is that such a heinous crime and capital offence is transferred to the Force Headquarters for further investigation. This is to enable a thorough and discreet investigation into the crime.”

    The statement added that the IG’s interest is to ensure “that justice prevails in the matter. Nobody, no matter how highly-placed, would be allowed to interfere or obstruct Police investigation to pervert the course of justice.”

    The statement added that the police had in the past transferred arrested suspects in high profile cases like those of the mayhem in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the Zaki Biam, Benue State killings to the Force Headquarters. It wondered why this Kwara case is different.

    The police said the statement by the Senate President could “dissuade and discourage living victims/deceased families of those who must have been killed by this vicious hired assassin gang from coming forward to give evidence against them”.

    The statement told the public “to disregard and discountenance the claim of plot by the IGP against the Senate President as a ruse, unfortunate and an attempt to divert Police investigation into the killings,” adding that  they would not “leave any stone unturned and will do everything within the ambit of the law to ensure justice in this matter, no matter whose ox is gored”.

  • Video: Senate passes no confidence vote in IGP

    THE Senate yesterday passed a vote of no confidence in the Inspector General Ibrahim Idris.

    The upper chamber also declared Idris “enemy of democracy”, who is not “fit to hold public office within and outside Nigeria”.

    The resolution was sequel to the refusal of the IG to personally appear before the upper chamber to brief lawmakers on the increasing spate of killings across the country and alleged inhuman treatment the police meted to Senator Dino Melaye.

    For three times, the police boss was invited by the Senate for “security briefing” and for the three times, he ignored the invitation.

    Yesterday’s non-appearance of Idris forced the Senate into emergency closed session to discuss what the upper chamber described as “an affront on it by the IGP.”

    After over 30 minutes, the senators emerged to vent their anger on the IG.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, who announced resolutions adopted by the senators, said: “Distinguished colleagues, the Senate in a closed session deliberated on the non-appearance of the IG to the Senate in plenary after a series of invitations.

    “The Senate noted that this amounted to a great disrespect to the institution and constituted authority.

    “The Senate also notes that his earlier refusal to appear before its investigative committee was overruled by a court of competent jurisdiction just in April.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bikvd2yA1I5/?hl=en&taken-by=thenationnewspaper

    “The Senate, therefore, views his persistent refusal (to appear before the Senate) as a great danger to our democracy.

    “Therefore, the Senate resolved to declare the IG as an enemy of our democracy and not fit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria.

    “The leadership of the Senate was also mandated to look into the matter for further necessary action.”

    The Senate had listed in its Order Paper for yesterday “Security briefing: Briefing by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). “The spate of killings across the country and the inhuman treatment of Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye.”

    Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North), while reading the item, said: “That the Senate do receive the Inspector General of Police to brief this Distinguished Senate on the spate of killings across the country and the inhuman treatment of Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye over a matter that is pending before a competent law court.”

    Saraki mandated the clerk, Nelson Ayewo, to go and usher in the IG into the chamber.

    That was not to be as the clerk returned to the chamber minutes later without Idris.

    Saraki announced to the obvious disappointment of the senators: “I have just been informed that the Inspector-General of Police is not here or anybody in his team. So, I think we need to decide on the next line of action.”

    Before then, the Senate had suspended it Order 18 to allow the IG into its chamber

    With announcement of the IG’s non-appearance, subdued anger appeared to have descended on the chamber.

    Senators were observed in clusters in the chamber apparently to discuss “the disregard of the institution of the Senate” by the police boss.

    Lawan’s report of his inability to reach the IG did not help matter.

    Deputy Minority Leader Senator Emmanuel Bwacha described it as a “national embarrassment.”