The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, has been queried by the relevant authorities over the escape from detention of Kabir Sokoto, one of the suspected masterminds of the December 25, 2012 bomb blast at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State.
The Minister for Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, who dropped the hint in Abuja today after the Federal Executive Council meeting, said that it was not impossible that Ringim could be asked to leave over the development.
About 50 persons died in the bomb explosion in the church on Christmas day.
Olubolade, who spoke with State House correspondents, said on enquiry as to whether Ringim had been queried: “That is true because he is the field officer.
“He has the responsibility to ensure all operations regarding arrest and all are conducted in the usual manner.
“If he is found to have had complicity in that, he himself will have to account for his mistake.”
On the possibility of the IGP being asked to leave over the issue, the minister said: “Yes. Anybody can be asked to leave, including myself.”
Olubolade described Sokoto’s escape as an unfortunate incident, adding: “But measures will be put in place now to address the escaped suspect.
“From the Ministry, I have directed the IG to carry out full investigation and even at higher level, above that one there will be another investigation to ascertain what led to the suspect’s escape.
“I have also directed that the officers involved and the personnel involved should be detained immediately.
“The commissioner of police has been suspended.
“In fact beyond that, I have advised that they should be placed under closed arrest.”
Asked if he had also established that members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect had indeed infiltrated government as said by President Goodluck Jonathan, Olubolade responded: “I cannot confirm that statement.
“What is important is all steps must be taken to re arrest the suspect.”
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