Police Inspector-General, Ibrahim Idris, has directed the investigation of members of the Special Team which arrested embattled Senator Dino Melaye and how he allegedly jumped out of police vehicle on Tuesday.
The investigation will seek to unravel why the police team decided against taking a faster overhead bridge to Lokoja where it was headed and instead headed under the bridge in Area 1 in Abuja.
The police authorities are suspecting some conspiracy in the circumstances that paved the way for Melaye to allegedly jump out of the police escort vehicle in which he was being taken to Lokoja.
Also, the probe team will look into the obstruction of police vehicles by some relations and associates of Melaye in order to rescue him.
Investigation by The Nation showed that the IGP called for a “comprehensive investigation into Melaye’s escape, especially possible complicity of policemen.
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “What happened was that immediately Sen. Melaye surrendered to the police and his arrest was effected, the Special Team raised by the IG took him to an office it is sharing with other specialised units at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Complex. It was not SARS policemen that picked up Melaye.
“After necessary documentation, the Special Team was mandated to take Melaye to Lokoja in Kogi State where he was scheduled to face trial at a high court.
“But the police team decided to pass under the bridge in Area 1 Abuja instead of the overhead bridge where it would be easier for them to connect the airport road to Lokoja.
“It was in the midst of the traffic snarl under the bridge in Area 1 that Melaye managed to escape following obstruction by some of his relations and associates who rescued him and took the Senator to Zankli hospital.
“There was more to the so-called jumping out of the police escort vehicle. The police management has suspected some connivance on why the team made a detour.
“All members of the Special Team are now being investigated by the police authorities. Whoever is culpable will be dealt with accordingly.
“About four suspects allegedly linked with the obstruction of the police escort vehicle have been arraigned in an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Mpape and remanded in Kuje Prison accordingly.”
The suspects are: Samuel Melaye; Amaefula David; Pius Inyang and Mohammed Waziri.
They were all charged with criminal conspiracy, obstruction of public servant from performing his lawful duties, as well as abatement and assault on police officers.
All the allegations were said to be contrary to sections 97, 85, 267 and 173 of the Penal Code Law.