Police arrest emir, two sons, over escape of Boko Haram kingpin

The Nigeria Police have arrested the two sons of the Emir of Abaji, who allegedly organised the escape of Kabiru Sokoto , accused of masterminding the Christmas day bombingat Madalla, which killed over 30 people.

A trusted police source who asked not to be named also disclosed to Premium Times that the Emir was also called in for questioning. He could not ascertain whether the Emir was detained with his sons after he was interrogated.

“Two sons of the Emir of Abaji have been arrested,” the source told us last night. “Some other people have been arrested too. The Emir was invited for interrogation.”

An ongoing investigation into the alleged escape of the arrested suspect has seen the suspension and house arrest of the Commissioner of police, Zakari Biu, under whose command the suspect made his escape.

Sources told Premium Times that about six police officers had accompanied Mr. Sokoto to his house in Abaji, a suburb of Abuja, to conduct a search and were at it when a mob swept in and made away with the suspect.

“The officers were there to conduct a search and by law, the owner of the house is required to sign off on a document that lists out the evidence found in his house,” another source told our reporter. “That is standard practice. It was while they were at it that a mob numbering over one thousand overpowered the police.”

There has been a public outcry against the way the police have so far handled the case, which culminated in the escape of the suspect. Many describe the police’s method as shoddy while others believe the police, aided the escape of the suspect.

Nigerian security forces have however beefed up security in Abaji where Mr. Sokoto allegedly escaped.