How we re-arrested Sokoto – SSS

The Department State Security Service on Friday gave more information on the re-arrest of wanted Boko Haram member, Kabir Sokoto, by its operatives.

The SSS said Sokoto, a dropout of a College of Nursing, was arrested in Mutum-Biu, Gasol Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The arrest, which was first reported by The Eagle Online yesterday, was effected at about 4am.

Sokoto was in the house of an accomplice.

The owner of the house and three other persons were arrested along with Sokoto in an operation in which the SSS operatives were assisted by a team of soldiers.

According to the spokesperson of the SSS, Marilyn Ogar, the suspected mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing of the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, was hiding in a cloth rack when he was arrested.

Ogar said: “On his escape, he had taken refuge at Toto Local Government Area of Nassarawa State before he fled to Taraba State where he was eventually arrested.

“We are poised to bring to an end the activities of a few unscrupulous elements and to also warn that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those who perpetrate evil.”

Over 40 persons died in the December 25, 2011 bombing of the Catholic Church, including an entire family.

Sokoto was first arrested at the Borno State Government Lodge in Abuja.

However, the police team in charge of his investigation said he escaped when some armed youths attacked them in the process of searching his house.

The development cost the then Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, his job.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Zakari Biu, was also dismissed and is to be prosecuted.

Biu and Sokoto are from the same village, Biu, in Borno State.

Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, was the first government official to confirm the arrest.

Abati spoke with the Associated Press about one hour after The Eagle Online reported the development.