RAID ON HOME OF JUSTICE MARY ODILI: Raid Team Leader, Whistleblower to Face Police Probe
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered an investigation into the Friday invasion of the residence of Justice Mary Odili in Maitama, Abuja.
The police boss, who directed the Force Intelligence Bureau to investigate the incident, said the perpetrators of the raid would be punished.
A complement of policemen and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives stormed Odili’s Maitama residence last Friday on the strength of a purported tip by a whistleblower, Aliyu Umar, who claimed to have observed suspicious activities at the Supreme Court Justice’s residence.
Following an order by Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna, who approved the search warrant by a body identified as the Joint Panel Recovery unit in the Ministry of Justice, on October 29, 2021, the security operatives besieged Odili’s home but they were reportedly resisted.
Sequel to media reports, the magistrate revoked the order, saying he was misled.
The incident sparked an outrage with the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, absolving his office of involvement in the operation.
EFCC also claimed not to be involved.
Also, police spokesman, Frank Mba, in a statement on Monday, said the police leadership was not aware of the raid, adding that the IG had directed the commissioner of police, Federal Capital Territory, to strengthen the security on the street and residence of Odili to ensure her safety.
The statement titled, ‘Reported invasion of Justice Odili’s Abuja residence: IGP orders investigations,’ read in part, “The IGP, who noted that the leadership of the Force is 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.
“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.”
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