For the third time, the police boss was absent from the hearing and had written the committee a nine-page letter telling the lawmakers he would not attend.
A Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdulyari Lafia had brought a petition before the House and an ad hoc committee, headed by Diri Douye, was mandated to investigate the matter.
Lafia accused the IG of “criminal misappropriation, embezzlement and stealing N2.4 billion”.
He also indicted a Director of Public Prosecution in the Office of the Federal Attorney General and Minister of Justice, saying he “collected unspecified amount of money and doctored a legal advice favourable to the suspects to enable the police kill the case”.
But a letter from the IG to the committee and signed by Commissioner of Police, David Igbodo, reads: “It is the conviction of the IGP that the matter before the committee is the same with the three suits filed in court by DCP Abdulyari and will not make any further comment on the issue as that will be subjudice.
But the letter annoyed the members of the committee.
Its chairman, Diri Douye and other members like Edward Pwajok (SAN) noted that the case in question can only be subjudice if the Speaker feels so.
The lawmakers described the letter as a “lecture” and said the IG has arrogated the power of the Judiciary to himself and is teaching members how to do their job.
Chairman, Police Service Commission Mike, however, Okiro gave a rundown of the disciplinary procedure for erring officers, which some members disagreed with.
The lawmakers said they needed to see the court order and all other documents relating to the issue.
