Jos High Court has dismissed an application by former deputy governor of Central Bank, Obadiah Mailafia, seeking to restrain the Inspector-General of Police from inviting him for questioning over comments he made about Boko Haram.
Mailafia had in a radio interview said repentant bandit told him that a serving northern governor was a commander of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, among other allegations.
- Reps Receive President Buhari’s Letter On PIB
- Makanjuola, Akpata, Odusote To Speak At Launch Of Electricity Law Report
In respect to the allegations therefore, he has already been grilled thrice by the Department of State Services (DSS) Jos Office, Plateau State capital.
He tried to quash the latest invitation by the police by going to court.
He wanted the court to enforce his “fundamental rights” when he was asked by police to appear in August for interrogation.
His argument was that regarding the matter in question he was already being interrogated by the DSS.
But in his ruling, Justice Arum Ashom, dismissed Mailafia’s application, saying that the police/IGP can invite him for interrogation.
In the over one hour ruling, Ashom also advised that Mailafia could equally assist the police with matters relating to improving internal security.
Reacting to the ruling, Mailafia’s lawyer, Yakubu Bawa, said they will get back to their client, review the judgement and then decide on the next step.
“The ruling has been delivered and you are all here to witness it. Unfortunately for us, our application has been dismissed. We will take a look at it, brief our client and then think of the next step to take.
“The court has spoken, but one of the things that really encourage us was that we want this case to serve as a judicial precedence because we believe that the court in all times and season will always serve as a bulwark against injustice, harassment, intimidation and oppression.
“But the court has said that in spite of the fact that the section which we relied upon that matters of internal security is exclusively within the powers of the DSS, but the court in its decision said that our client, Obadiah Mailafia, is still entitled to appear before the IGP, and advised that he can assist the police with matters relating to improving of internal security.
We will look at the judgement and if we are not pleased with it we will then take the appropriate steps,” he said.
Counsel to the police, Michael Oladipo, who stood in for the lead counsel, Lukeman Fagbemi, said the court was right in its ruling because it is within the powers of the police to get information from people regarding the matters of insecurity.
He said that it is also the responsibility of the citizens to also provide police with information on insecurity one is aware of or any threat.
He also stressed, that the police has acted within their powers to invite the applicant to be interviewed in respect to the comments he made.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
