‘An unfortunate incident’ — IGP orders probe into invasion of Mary Odili’s home

Usman Baba, inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered an investigation into the raid on the home of Mary Odili, a judge of the supreme court.

On Friday, security operatives — made up of soldiers and police officers — stormed the Abuja residence of the supreme court justice over an allegation that illegal activities were going on there.

The search warrant was granted to one Lawrence Ajodo, identified as a chief superintendent of police and a member of the investigation team under the asset tax recovery panel of the ministry of justice.

The document also showed that the panel comprises the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the ministry of justice.

However, documents seen by TheCable have revealed that the warrant presented by security operatives to search Odili’s residence bore a wrong address.

Abubakar Malami, minister of justice, and Abdulrasheed Bawa, EFCC chairman, have both denied authorising the search, while the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said it will meet with security operatives over the matter.

A magistrate court in Abuja has also revoked the search warrant.

In a statement issued on Monday, Frank Mba, force public relations officer, quoted Baba as describing the invasion as “unacceptable”.

“Consequently, the IGP has directed the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) to conduct a discreet 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,” the statement reads.

“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 IGP has directed the commissioner of police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strengthen security around the street and residence of Her Lordship, Justice Mary Odili JSC to ensure her safety and also to prevent a recurrence of the unfortunate incident.

“The IGP assured that the details of Police investigations would be made public on conclusion of investigations.”