Posted by From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation on
The Force Disciplinary Committee has submitted its report on former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Nuhu Ribadu to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, The Nation learnt yesterday.
The Force Disciplinary Committee has submitted its report on former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Nuhu Ribadu to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, The Nation learnt yesterday.
The report was submitted last Friday, a source said.
It was also learnt that the Police high command might meet this week to take a decision on Ribadu, who is believed to have left Nigeria.
The committee wound up its sitting and compiled its report in Kaduna on Thursday.
A top police source said: "The committee has submitted its report on Ribadu and other officers who were directed to appear before it.
"The report was given to the Inspector-General of Police on Friday and it is likely that the police high command would take a decision before the end of the week.
"Normally, the IG will just make a recommendation to the Police Service Commission for appropriate sanctions."
The source added: "There are recommendations on Ribadu which I would not want to divulge. You know the ex-EFCC chairman refused to appear before the committee because he is in court.
"But there is no court order stopping the panel from sitting. The letter from the counsel for Ribadu, Mr. Charles Musa, to the panel on Wednesday did not amount to a stay of the proceedings of the committee."
Although the source refused to disclose specific recommendations on Ribadu, it was learnt that the ex-EFCC chairman might be dismissed.
The source said: "It is a grave offence to shun the invitation of the IG. No service will forgive such an act of insubordination. This type of offence either attracts suspension or dismissal.
"But the Police Service Commission has the final say on this matter."
The seven-man Force Disciplinary Committee was set up on November 25, 2008 for the trial of Ribadu and others on December 4.
Members of the committee are: all the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police(Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, Mr. Uba Ringim, Mr. Yusuf Haruna, Mr. Adeoye Adedayo, Mr. John Ahmadu Hamzat and Mr. Gazali Lawal) and the Force Secretary, Mr. Udom Ekpoudom
They waited for Ribadu last Wednesday; he did not show up, following his counsel's advice not to appear before the committee because it would be subjudice to court process.
Ribadu's counsel, Mr. Charles Musa, had on Wednesday written the IGP that he had gone to court on some issues before the panel. He said the panel could not try Ribadu in absentia.
"Once we are challenging them legally, they have no right to do so," Musa said.
The allegations against Ribadu before the panel are acts prejudicial to state security and conduct unbecoming of a public officer under the Public Service Rules.
Other charges are:
•action prejudicial to state security, contrary to rule 030402(a) of the Public Service Rules, 2006;
•sabotage with intent to undermine the activities of the EFCC and the war against corruption by the Federal Government, contrary to rule 030402(t) of the Public Service Rules, 2006; and
•acts unbecoming of a public officer. In that the sum total of your conduct is prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of a senior Police Officer, contrary to rule 0304302 (w) of the Public Service Rules, 2006."
Ribadu's whereabouts remained hazy at the weekend. He is not in his Adamawa home-state. A source said he may have travelled overseas.