Posted by From Ahamefula Ogbu in Jos on
An American medical expert, Dr. Tom Tatcher arrested for possession of parcels suspected to be ammunition and explosives by the Nigerian Customs Service at a post office in Jos has been released after interrogations.
an American medical expert, Dr. Tom Tatcher arrested for possession of parcels suspected to be ammunition and explosives by the Nigerian Customs Service at a post office in Jos has been released after interrogations.
Sources said the reason behind the release was due to ‘pressure' from high quarters, which neither the police nor the custom were willing to disclose, although THISDAY learnt the case file had been transferred to Abuja.
It was learnt that immediately after the man was apprehended, highly placed individuals some of whom were in government, made efforts to get the consultant with the Jos University Teaching hospital released and when the customs could not bear ithe presure, released him to the police who later freed him.
Although the Comptroller of Customs in Plateau State, Alhaji Hussaini Kangiwa confirmed the arrest, he said they had since handed him over to the police.
Efforts to get confirmation from the police were avoided by Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Apapa and his Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Issa Adejo.
THISDAY however confirmed that the American, picked up on Tuesday was released Wednesday notwithstanding his admission of ownership of the parcel, though it could not be ascertained whether the police or customs seized the said cargo.
News of his arrest threw foreigners in Jos into panic, prompting their besieging both the customs and police stations where they made efforts to get Tatcher off the hook.