SSS Unmasks Abuja Bomb Suspects …As Jonathan Pledges Neutrality

The State Security Service says it has unearthed  more persons involved in the plot and execution of the October 1 bombing in Abuja and would soon charge Charles Tombra Okah and four others to court in connection with the dastardly act.

While the Service called on Nigerians to desist from politicising the October bombing saying that such would only promote insecurity in the country, it  also disclosed that it has established the person that drove and coordinated the vehicles brought into Abuja for the bombings. The SSS said it has also uncovers the person who allegedly coordinated the bombings with Henry Okah , the owner of the residence in Port Harcourt where the vehicles were wired for detonation, and the person who confirmed to his accomplice that the plot has been carried out immediately after the explosion,

These disclosures were made by the spokesperson of the SSS in Abuja, Maryln Ogar while giving the press an update on the ongoing investigstions on the October 1 twin bombings. The service, however failed to make public the names of the suspects or persons said to be involved .

Reiterating the State Security Service’s commitment to the ongoing investigation, Ogar urged the public to be more security conscious about their environments and to collaborate with the various security agencies in the country.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan said  he “has not and will not play politics’’ with the investigations of the twin bomb blasts in Abuja.

The President stated this at the commissioning of the Advanced Bell 412 EP IFR combat helicopter and Scene of Crime vehicles for the Nigeria Police Force.

Jonathan reiterated his resolve and commitment to ensure diligence and thorough investigation of the bomb blasts.

“It is a duty we owe to our nation and our dear brothers and sisters who lost their lives on that fateful day.

“It is a duty which we will prosecute to a logical conclusion.

“I have never played politics with it and I will never play politics with it and I urge Nigerians not to play politics with it.

“It is a serious crime against our nation and must be accorded the seriousness it deserves,’’ he said.

Jonathan said that government would continue to support the Police to transform and reposition it to attain the highest level of professional excellence.

He said the recent changes in the headship of the Nigerian Police was to ensure that the institution meets the new challenges of security.

“We are presently confronted with new species of crime of kidnapping and car bombs. This requires a new and sophisticated technique to combat,’’ he said.

Jonathan said the procurement of the helicopter and the seven vehicles were part of the holistic programmes aimed at enhancing efficiency and functional effectiveness of the Police.

The President said the three tiers of government, the private sector and development partners should harness resources to achieve effective policing across the nation.

He said the Police Reform Programme was estimated to cost about N1.5 trillion spread over six years.

“Federal Government provided N71 billion in the 2010 budget to the programme,” he said.

He called on the other tiers of government to show commitment to the programme.

In his remarks, the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Waziri, said the commission of the helicopter and buses was targeted at enhancing the capacity of the Force to perform its constitutional duties.

He said the combat helicopter was a twin engine 15 seater combat aircraft installed with armour plate protection for both pilot and passengers.

“The helicopter is fitted with a 16 million candle light dismountable search light that enables it to undertake nocturnal surveillance operations.

“Its sophisticated radar avionics makes it suitable for surveillance and ground operations even in bad weather.

“The aircraft is also installed with auto-pilot capability for enhanced performance,’’ he said.

The buses according to the Minister are equipped with modern fixtures to detect crimes as well as thumb prints and DNA machines to assist in investigation and evidence gathering.

The Minister enjoined police officers to rededicate themselves to duty for a safer and secure Nigeria.

In a related development, the President also commissioned the interchanges at the AYA, Banex and Gwarimpa junctions in the Abuja municipality.

Nneka Amaechi- Nnadi, Abuja

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi cutting a tape to commission the Rivers State Geographic Information System (RIVGIS) in Port Harcourt, yesterday. He is flanked by the state Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Ezemoye Ezekiel-Amadi (2nd right), HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass (2nd left), his Wife, Josephine and Engr. Tele Ikuru, Deputy Governor, of the State.