The Nigeria Police Force has reopened
investigation into the alleged forgery of the
Senate Standing Rules 2015 by writing to the
Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Mr.
Mohammed Sani Omolori for additional
information to assist its investigation.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, his deputy,
Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the immediate past
Clerk to the National Assembly(CNA), Salisu
Maikasuwa, are already standing trial and the
hearing of the case will continue on Wednesday.
But Saraki and Ekweremadu’s camps have kicked
against attempt by the police to reopen the probe
after the police had declared the initial
investigation conclusive.
The police renewal of the investigation of the
forgery was contained in a letter of 25th of
August, 2016, which was signed by the Chairman
of the Special Investigation Panel(SIP), AIG Ali
Amodu (Rtd).
There were indications that the reopening of the
case by the police was at the prompting of the
National Prosecution Coordination Committee
(NPCC) in an August 19, 2016 letter to the
Inspector-General, Mr. Idris Ibrahim.
The letter reads in part: “I refer to letter no. DPPA/
ADV/25875, dated 19th August 2015 in respect
of the above subject matter(copy attached for
each of reference) and request that you avail this
office with the following information:
Whether or not , the 7th Senate at any time
amends the Senate Standing Orders 2011.
If yes, what is the extent of amendment?
The name of the officer that authorised the
amendment of Senate Standing Orders 2015.
The name of the officer that ordered for the
printing of the Senate Standing Orders 2015.
The officer that distributed the printed copies of
the Senate Standing Orders 2015 to Senators-
elect.
What date was the induction mentioned by
Senator Abdullahi Gumel?
What did they do with the Senate Standing
Order of 2011 at the induction”
Who conducted the induction?
“Obtain the complete Hansard of the 9th and
24th June, 2015 to see what transpired on the
floor of the Senate.
“The statement of Dr. Ogozy Nma should be
brought to the attention of Senator Ita Enang and
Senator Abu Ibrahim to corroborate or deny it.
“What is the date Senator Ike Ekweremadu
presided over the house and obtains the hansard
for the date.
“Considering the importance of this case, you are
requested to expedite action on the request.
Accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
It was gathered that National Prosecution
Coordination Committee(NPCC) in an August 19
letter directed the Inspector-General of Police, Mr.
Idris Ibrahim, to fill up the grey areas in its
previous investigation.
The letter was signed by the Special Assistant to
the President(Research and Special Projects/
Secretary NPCC, Sylvester Omoregie Imhanobe.
The letter said: “Sir, I have the instructions of the
Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation
and Minister of Justice(HAGF) /Chairman, National
Prosecution Coordination Committee(NPCC) to
write this letter for your kind prompt action.
“The NPCC and the new legal team engaged to
take over the prosecution of the above case have
reviewed the case file and found that the police
investigation of the case is inconclusive.
“Therefore, it is necessary that you further
investigate the case with particular reference to
the following:
Did the 7th Senate at any time amend the
Senate Standing Orders 2011?
If yes, what is the extent of amendment?
“Further investigation should show:
Who authorized the amendment of Senate
Standing Orders 2011.
Who ordered the printing of the Senate
Standing Orders 2015.
Who distributed the printed copies of the Senate
Standing Orders 2015 to Senators-elect.
“Obtain the complete Hansard of the 9th and
24th June 2015 to see what transpired on the
floor of the Senate.
“What date was the induction mentioned by
Senator Abdullahi Gumel? What did they do with
the Senate Standing Orders 2011 at the
induction? Who conducted the induction?
“The statement of Dr. Ogozy Nma should be
brought to the attention of Senator Ita Enang and
Senator Abu Ibrahim to corroborate or deny it.
“Find out the date Senator Ike Ekweremadu
presided over the house and obtain the hansard
for the date.
“Please, it is important that I receive your
response to the above inquiries on or before the
7th of September for further necessary action.
Please accept the assurances of my warm regards
and best wishes.”