Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, has directed CP Esa Sunday Ogbu, Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, Force Headquarters, to take over as the new Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command.
The directive was given on Wednesday, March 28, following the removal of Ali Janga after the escape of six (6) suspects from police custody early this morning.
Mr Idris also redeployed the Commander, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, in the state, the Divisional Police Officer ‘A’ Division, Lokoja and other police officers implicated in the escape for negligence, dereliction of duty and gross misconduct.
The Police boss made this known in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Jimoh Moshood.
The Police Spokesman revealed that the policemen are all facing serious disciplinary action over the escape of the suspects.
The statement reads: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni, dissatisfied with the circumstances surrounding the escape of six (6) suspects including two (2) Principal Suspects (KABIRU SEIDU A.K.A OSAMA, NUHU SALISU A.K.A SMALL) who indicted Senator Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu in a case of Conspiracy and Unlawful possession of Prohibited Firearm already filed at the Federal High Court, Lokoja which came up in court today, 28th March, 2018, has ordered the immediate removal of Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Ali Janga”, the statement read.
“The Commander FSARS in the State, the Divisional Police Officer ‘A’ Division, Lokoja and other Police officers implicated in the escape for negligence, dereliction of duty and gross misconduct in the escape of the six (6) suspects have also been transferred out of the State and are facing serious disciplinary action. Thirteen (13) other Police officers are currently being detained and investigated for their roles in the escape.
“CP Esa Sunday Ogbu, Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja has been directed by the IGP to immediately proceed and take over as the new Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command.
“Furthermore, on the order of the IGP, the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad, Personnel of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department have already arrived in Kogi State to work with the Police personnel in the State for immediate re-arrest of the escaped suspects. They are to also carry out detail investigation into the escape and bring all those involved to justice.
“The Force wishes to implore the good people of Kogi State to remain calm and assist with useful information to the Joint Police Investigation Team. They can report any information they have on the escaped suspects to the nearest Police Station in the State or any other State in the Country”, it added.
The development came after the Police on Wednesday confirmed the escape from custody of two suspects arrested and paraded last week for allegedly working for the senator and Alhaji Audu.
Similarly, the Kogi State Police Command declared Dino Melaye, Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District wanted.
The Kogi West lawmaker was declared wanted alongside the son of a former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Mohammed Audu.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Ali Janga who declared both men wanted while addressing newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital on Wednesday, March 28, revealed that the duo have been placed on Interpol watchlist.
Hours after the Kogi State Commissioner of Police addressed journalists over the matter; the IGP ordered his immediate removal and subsequent replacement by CP Esa Sunday Ogbu.
