The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, may be facing arrest for failing to appear before senate ad-hoc committee investigating allegations of abuse of office against him. The Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Sen. Francis Alimikhena, issued the threat when the IGP failed to appear before the committee on Wednesday.
Alimikhena, who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, said the IGP was summoned on Oct. 16 to answer allegations made against him by Sen. Isah Misau (APC-Bauchi). Aimilkhena said the IG refuse to honour invitation by Senate as his lawyer Alex Iziyon has written to the committee informing it of the matter already being in court.
He said” nobody, including court, can stop the Senate from carrying out its constitutional duties.
“The separation of powers guaranteed by law, made it explicit that the Senate cannot be prevented in carrying out its constitutional duties by any other arm of government.
“If the IGP fails to appear on Nov. 7, the committee would invoke Section 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to compel him to appear.
“He will be summoned again and must appear next Tuesday, 7th of November.
“We got a letter from his lawyer, Alex Iziyon that he will not appear before this committee. He said the IGP has already gone to court and appearing will be subjudice.”
“We cannot be stopped. No court can stop us from carrying out our duties. There is separation of powers. No court can stop us.
“There are issues about virement in the 2017 budget which Misau also raised. We need him to respond to these allegations.
“We will invite him again and he will appear before us. If he fails to appear, we will invoke Section 89 of the 1999 constitution, as amended.”
Sen. Misau had while testifying before the probe panel, claimed that the IGP purchased two jeeps for the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari.
The Police boss however, dismissed the claims saying it is unfounded.