The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered “detailed” investigations into the reported invasion of the Abuja residence of Justice Mary Odili.
This was as the Senate condemned the raid, vowing to debate on the subject when it resumes plenary this month.
The Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti), disclosed this today during an oversight visit to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, at his office in Abuja.
Security operatives had on Friday night invaded the Abuja residence of the justice, an action seen as an affront on the judiciary arm of government.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had denied any involvement and announced an immediate investigation into the siege on Odili’s residence.
Bamidele described the invasion as embarrassing, saying the Red Chamber would treat it as a matter of urgent national importance during the plenary session.
He said, “We cannot pretend not to be unaware of the embarrassing situation on an invasion of the residence of Justice Mary Odili on Friday night by security agents.
“Without joining issues with anyone, we take the matter seriously.
“By the time we are back to the plenary session, we will discuss the matter as urgent national importance.”
Meanwhile, the IGP also said the “leadership of the Force is not aware and did not at any time order Police operatives to carry out such assignment”.
He described the violation of the sanctity of the residence of the Justice of the Supreme Court as “unfortunate and unacceptable”.
This was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, on Monday, titled, ‘Reported invasion of Justice Odili Abuja residence: IGP orders investigation …Says perpetrators would be made to face the wrath of the law.”
Part of the statement read, “Consequently, the IGP has directed the Force Intelligence Bureau to conduct a discrete investigation into the incident. He assured the commitment of the Force to the safety and security of the members of the Judiciary and Nigerians in general.
“He further called for calm, promising that the Force will do all within its powers to unravel the perpetrators and motives behind the breach with a view to bringing all indicted persons to book.
“Meanwhile, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory to strengthen security around the street and residence of Her Lordship, Justice Mary Odili JSC to ensure her safety and also to prevent a reoccurrence of the unfortunate incident.
“The IGP assured that the details of Police investigations would be made public on conclusion of investigations.”
