Again, IGP fails to appear before senate

Ibrahim Idris, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has failed to appear before the senate — the second time in one week.

The senate had summoned him over the alleged maltreatment of Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west.

He was also summoned to brief the lawmakers on the incessant killings being recorded in various parts of the country.

Idris was supposed to appear before the lawmakers last week but he did not. He had accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari to Bauchi, sending a representative in his place.

This made the legislators angry and they asked him to appear unfailingly on Wednesday but Idris sent Joshak Habilah, deputy inspector-general, to represent him.

He gave an excuse that he was in Kaduna state on an official assignment regarding insecurity.

Ahmad Lawan, leader of the senate, and Abu Ibrahim, chairman of the senate committee on police affairs, were directed to convey the red chamber’s displeasure to Idri as he was re-summoned.

Melaye is currently in hospital where he is being treated for injuries sustained after jumping out of a moving vehicle.

The senator, accused of gun running, was at the time being taken by the police to a Kogi court where he was due to be arraigned for the alleged offence.

Prior to the attempted escape, he had been detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while trying to travel abroad, and was later prevented from travelling.

During one of their sittings, some of Melaye’s colleagues at the upper legislative chamber had accused the police of “harassing” the senator.

The IGP is also expected to explain is being done to curtail the increased spate of killings being experienced in the country.