Update: Jonathan arrives Nigeria from Equatorial Guinea over Abuja blast

Presidential spokesperson says Mr. Jonathan has arrived

President Goodluck Jonathan arrived Nigeria Thursday evening after cutting short his trip to the African Union Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea over a bomb attack that killed at least 21 people in Abuja Wednesday.

“President Jonathan is back in the country after cutting short his trip to AU Summit in Malabo due to Banex Plaza bomb incident yesterday,” spokesperson to the president, Reuben Abati, tweeted at 8.13p.m.

Mr. Jonathan suspended his trip to the summit after a blast hit Emab plaza, a popular mall in Wuse 2, Abuja at about 4p.m. Wednesday.

Police said 21 persons died and 17 injured in the Force spokesperson, Frank Mba, said one suspect was arrested.

Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, had told PREMIUM TIMES the president and his team were arriving at their hotel in Malabo, the Equatorial Guinean capital, when they received news of the attack.

The president took an immediate decision to return to Nigeria early Thursday, Mr. Abati said.

Mr. Jonathan was accompanied by his wife, Patience, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Water Resources, Health and Industry Trade and Investment.

The president initially planned to return on Friday when the summit ends.

Before leaving Malabo Mr. Jonathan attended the opening ceremony and one session of the African Union, A.U., summit.

The president left his hotel at about 6 p.m. Nigerian time and arrived the Malabo airport at about 6:40. Boarding formalities commenced immediately, with the delegation flying out of the airport at about 7 p.m. for the about one hour flight to Abuja.

Mr. Jonathan’s plane was expected to touch down in the Nigerian capital at about 8 p.m.