The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Alkali Baba, has ordered the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Babaji Sunday, to take charge of the security around the residence and entire street of Justice Mary Odili.
This was contained in a statement Monday evening, by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Frank Mba.
Justice Odili, a former first lady of Rivers State and second in ranking amongst Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, had her residence in Abuja invaded on Friday, by unknown security operatives, claiming to be executing a search warrant.
Although no security formation has claimed responsibility for the raid, fingers are pointing ar the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Ministry of Justice, where a Federal Government Panel is rumoured to be domiciled.
However, following the public outcry over the incident, the Police boss has now ordered a detailed investigation into the reported invasion, assuring maximum security for the Supreme Court Judge and members of her household.
“Consequently, the IGP has directed the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) 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”, the statement reads in part.
The IGP, who noted that the leadership of the Force was not aware and did not at any time order Police operatives to carry out such assignment, described the reported violation of the sanctity of the residence of the Justice of the Supreme Court as “unfortunate and unacceptable”.
The statement also said, “the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strengthen the 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 at the conclusion of investigations.
