Posted by From Collins Edomaruse in Abuja on
The British High Commission yesterday described the return of Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alam-ieyeseigha, as not only disappointing, but nauseating. Head, Press and Public Affairs at the High Commission, Mr. Graeme Bannatyne, told THISDAY on telephone that: "It's disappointing that the governor chose to jump his bail conditions."
The British High Commission yesterday described the return of Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alam-ieyeseigha, as not only disappointing, but nauseating.
Head, Press and Public Affairs at the High Commission, Mr. Graeme Bannatyne, told THISDAY on telephone that: "It's disappointing that the governor chose to jump his bail conditions."
Bannatyne, who added that the British government was not a police, however, said it behoves on the Metropolitan Police to rise to the occasion and decide on what to do.
Asked what may be the possible first line of action by the police, the envoy said the organisation would "normally issue an international arrest warrant to get him rearrested."
The governor fled the UK, where he was charged with laundering £1.8m ($3.2m) found in cash and bank accounts.
He was granted bail in September, on the condition he stayed in the UK.
British police have confirmed that he has failed to meet his bail conditions which included reporting regularly to a police station.
A statement from the Scotland Yard yesterday to THISDAY reads: "We are aware Diepreye Alamiey-eseigha has failed to meet a requirement of his bail conditions. Enquiries are in hand.
'We are aware of reports he may be in Nigeria. Please note that we are not in a position to discuss any further matters regarding this development at present"
Meanwhile, several arrests have been made in London, according to sources, while the investigating police officers in charge of Alamieyeseigha's case are said to be facing intense interrogation.
On what will be the next line of action, Bannatyne said: "its left for the Nigerian authorities to decide".