Judges' raid: Reps threaten to issue bench warrant on AGF

The House of Representatives' Adhoc Committee investigating the recent arrests of the Judicial officers, yesterday threatened to issue bench warrant on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation[AGF], Mallam Abubakar Mallami[SAN], if he fails to appear before it on November 29th. Mallami failed to honour the Committee's invitation and respond to inquiries on the roles he played on the arrest of judges.

Chairman of the Adhoc Committee, Hon.Garba Datti, issued the threat notice at the second day of the investigative public hearing, after holding closed door meeting with the Director general of the Department of State Services[DSS], Alhaji Lawal Daura, and representative of the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crime Commission[EFCC]

While testifying before the committee, chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission [ICPC],Mr. Ekpo Nta, disclosed that the personnel of DSS were empowered by SSS instrument No.1 of 1999 constitution, similar powers of arrest vested on officers of the Nigerian Police Force. Section 3[1] of the SSS instrument 1 of the 1999 provides that: "For the purpose of facilitating the discharge of its functions under these instrument, personnel of the state security services are hereby conferred with the powers of superior police officer in respect of searches and arrests."