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Billions of naira down subsidy drain
Jonathan for World Economic Summit
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•President to join leaders in Davos
•Cash paid for unused fuel from 2006-11
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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH
VOL. 7, NO. 2009 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012
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ACN protests troops in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna •Aregbesola: it’s dangerous From Yusuf Alli and John Ofikhenua, Abuja
T
HE opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday protested against the occupation of Lagos, Kaduna and Kano by soldiers. It demanded immediate withdrawal of the troops. The party also blamed President Goodluck Jonathan for the increasing level of insecurity nationwide, especially the menace of Boko Haram. It accused the Federal Government of allegedly spending the controversial N1.3trillon, spent on fuel subSEE sidy cash on the president’s elecALSO tion. The party launched its antiPAGE 6 troops’ protest at a news conference in Abuja, by its National Secretary, Senator Lawal Shuaibu. It also presented a seven-point demand to President Jonathan. Shuaibu said: “The invasion of Lagos, Kaduna and Kano and unleashing of armed soldiers and armoured tanks against defenceless civilians protesting against an unpopular policy is unacceptable, and most undemocratic. Our constitution does not perContinued on page 4
GOS: A group of soldiers manning an armoured tank at Ojota, Lagos Mainland ... yesterday •THE SIEGE OF LA LAGOS
PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES
Boko Haram suspect: IG Ringim in trouble Police chief gets query over escape of Xmas Day bombing suspect Zakari Biu faces investigation panel
P
OLICE chief Hafiz Ringim’s fate was hanging in the balance last night. The Presidency is believed to be considering his removal over the escape of a suspected mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, Niger State. Ringim, who is due for retirement next month, has 24 hours to explain the dramatic escape of a suspected Boko Haram member,
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THE QUESTIONS
•Why was Kabiru Sokoto’s home not searched until Monday? He was arrested on Saturday •Where is the Air Force Officer arrested with him? •Zakari Biu is said to have been dismissed from the police. Why? •Did the police take Kabiru Sokoto’s fingerprint and photograph? This is doubtful. •Even if Sokoto is declared wanted, will he ever be found?
From Yusuf Alli and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja
Kabiru Sokoto, who was arrested last Saturday in connection with the Christmas Day bombing at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State. Rights activist Femi Falana said Ringim should be punished for Sokoto’s escape.
•Biu
See also pages 2&3
The suspect was arrested at the Borno Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja in company of an Air Force officer. The suspect, who was in handcuffs, escaped on Monday from a team of policemen who took him to his home in Abaji, near Abuja, for a search. It was gathered that after the search, the
policemen decided to take the suspect to the traditional ruler of the town (the Ona of Abaji) in a Toyota Hilux Van. A group of irate youths allegedly waylaid the police team. In the ensuing pandemonium, the suspect escaped, it was said. Ringim ordered the suspension of a Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Zakari Biu, who faced a disciplinary panel yesterday. Police Affairs Minister Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd), who issued Ringim a query, spoke with reporters at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, describing the incident as “unfortunate”. He said: “From the ministry, I have directed the IG to carry out full investigation and even at higher level, above that one, there will be another investigation to ascertain what led to the suspect’s escape. I have also directed that the officers involved and the personnel involved should be detained immediately.” “The commissioner of police has been suspended. In fact, beyond that, I have advised Continued on page 4
•INDUSTRY P16 •SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •POLTIICS P43 •N/HEALTH P45