Posted by Bukola Ojeme on
Security operatives have begun a manhunt for those believed to have assisted the Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who jumped bail in London and sneaked into the country last Monday morning.
Security operatives have begun a manhunt for those believed to have assisted the Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who jumped bail in London and sneaked into the country last Monday morning.
A highly placed security source in Abuja told Sunday Punch that the nation's Security Intelligence Community was embarrassed by Alamieseyeigha's surreptitious entry into the country without any of its operatives being in the know.
Meanwhile, the out-going Bayelsa State Police Commissioner, Mr. Oliver Osuchukwu on Saturday, reacted to his sudden redeployment to Abuja, saying that he had not been officially communicated by the Force Headquarters.
Osuchukwu also said that Alamieseigha was not under any threat, as he had been claiming.
Alamieseyeiegha was reported to have sneaked into Nigeria in the early hours of last Monday from London, where he is facing trial for money laundering.
Already, the British Intelligence Community has commenced investigations into how he was able to beat its security network and escaped back to Nigeria unnoticed.
In Nigeria, Sunday Punch gathered that the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has tasked the State Security Service (SSS) to investigate Alamieyeseigha's sudden appearance in Nigeria and fish out those who helped him from within the nation's borders to get back into the state.
The security source, who spoke to Sunday Punch, said, ' The governor's conduct and the manner he sneaked into the country has caused us a lot of embarrassment. Preliminary investigations also suggest an elaborately planned escape strategy right from the UK to Nigeria.
'It is normal that, when such a security breach as has happened in the case of the governor occurs, investigation must be carried out to first of all establish if there was compromise on the part of those who should have indicted him and those who may have assisted him to enter Bayelsa," he added.
The source stated further that, 'However, in this case, the NSA is overseeing this investigation. And it not only involves the Department of State Services, even the immigration component will also be looked into".
However, the Public Affairs Department of the State Security Service told Sunday Punch in Abuja on Saturday, that it is not unusual for an incidence like this to be investigated by any of the responsible agencies.
According to an official of the department, who did not want to be named, ' it is normal for incidences like this to be investigated. But, may be, by the responsible agencies. It is not something that is being handled by us".
Commenting on this development, Immigrations Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Immigration, Mr. Ekpedeme Kings, declined to say whether the service is investigating the breach of border security by Alamieyeseigha, but said, ' It is premature to make a statement, because we are still collating reports".
A signal from the Inspector General of Police with number TH.5361/IGP SEC/ABJ/VOL12/835 had on Friday ordered the redeployment of Osuchukwu to Force Headquarters as CP Special Duties, while Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafiz Ringim is to take over from him on Monday November 28, 2005.
A highly police dependable informed Sunday Punch, that, Osuchukwu's removal is not unconnected with the way he handled the situation in Yenagoa since the arrival of the governor.
According to the source, 'The IGP was not satisfied with the way he (Osuchukwu) handled the matter. Remember that, the Ngige and Mbadinuju matters still rankle till date. This present IGP desires to lead a Force that is politically neutral at all times".
But Osuchukwu, when asked if he knew why he was removed said, ' I have not seen it (signal). I am not aware of that."
Asked if the governor had reported any threat to his to the State Command, the out-going CP said, ' threat by whom? To my knowledge there is nothing like that".
When Sunday Punch sort to know from him, if his redeployment may have because his Srefusal to disperse pro-Alamieyeseigha demonstrators, he said, ' non of the protesters have been violent, so that is why we are allowing them. Not even a baby has been arrested".
When Sunday Punch also spoke with Ringim, Osucukwu's replacement in a telephone interview on Saturday, he acknowledged his new posting, but declined to give details of his plan of action.
'Until I get there, I haven't been to Bayelsa, so I can't make any comment now," he said.
Confirming Osuchukwu's redeployment, the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Haz Iwendi said the out-going Bayelsa CP was, ' posted to ensure the neutrality of the Police, following the recent development".
SUNDAY PUNCH, November 27, 2005