Posted by The PM News on
Embattled former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, this morning, failed to honour an invitation to meet with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, in Abuja.
Embattled former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, this morning, failed to honour an invitation to meet with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, in Abuja.
As at the time of filing this report (12.30 p.m.), Ribadu was yet to show up at the Louis Edet Police Headquarters in Abuja. Okiro has also not reported in the office as at this period.
Confirmation that Okiro was not in office came when the publisher of an Abuja-based newspaper, who had an appointment with the police boss this morning, emerged from the IG's office and confirmed to P.M.News that his appointment had been rescheduled. He said he was told that the IG was not being expected in the office today.
Anxious journalists, who kept vigil at the police headquarters from about 7 a.m., were dispersed around 11a.m. by a senior police officer who insisted that the journalists should vacate the entrance to the premises, or go to the 8th floor where the PRO's office is, to seek any information.
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On getting to the office of the Police PRO, Akpoebi Agberebi, he confirmed Okiro's absence.
He, however, did not respond to questions relating to Ribadu's redeployment.
An insider confirmed to P.M.News that Ribadu's redeployment letter was ready.
He declined to name the specific location where Ribadu is being posted to. P.M.News gathered that Ribadu decided to stay away from the meeting for fear of being arrested or harmed by the police. Ribadu's lawyer, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, it was learnt, is already writing a letter to the police authorities, reminding them that Ribadu has a case in court against them and as such cannot attend a meeting with the police boss.
Ribadu, according to his friends, is determined to fight it out with the police, even if it is going to cost him his commission.
Investigations revealed that the former anti-corruption czar rebuffed entreaties by family and friends to go on exile, saying he will not leave Nigeria.
'I have not committed any crime. I will stay here and fight it out. If they wish, let them kill me.
'When I took up the job of fighting corruption, I knew the corrupt will charge at me,' he was quoted as saying.