Contrary to reports that he ordered his men to kill twenty civilians in place of a policeman killed, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun States, Mbu Joseph Mbu has denied issuing such orders during the forth coming elections describing it as a mere rumour.
Mbu, in a counter-affidavit to a suit filed before a Federal High Court in Lagos by a lawyer seeking his sack, denied ever making such statement, adding that he only ordered that any policeman shot by any person could shoot back in self defence.
According to the counter-affidavit deposed to on Mbu’s behalf by a policeman, Olugbemiga Adeoye, the deponent averred that the newspaper publication containing the said allegation was “complete falsehood, exaggerated, twisted and totally quoted out of context.”
Adeoye, who said he was at the briefing where Mbu allegedly made the statement, added that contrary to the allegation: “The true position is that the first defendant (Mbu), during his official tours and briefing of police officers at Lagos and Ogun State Commands, directed every police officer to be law abiding, hardworking and wake up to their constitutional/statutory duties and respect to every citizens’ legal rights.”
in the course of performance of their duties and that any policeman shot by any person, that such policeman could shoot back in self defence.”
The applicant in the suit, Tope Alabi, had urged the trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba to order the removal of Mbu over alleged abuse of powers.
When the matter came up on Wednesday, lawyer to the applicant, Femi Falana (SAN) moved the originating summons and urged the court to grant the prayers sought.
In response, the Legal Officer in charge of Zone 2 police command, Chukwu Agu urged the court to dismiss the suit with substantial cost.
Agu further urged the court not to rely on newspaper publications tendered as exhibit to the suit because theyr contained unverifiable facts, and we’re not certified.
After entertaining arguments from both sides, Justice Buba fixed March 27 for judgment.
The suit was specifically hinged on a statement made by Mbu, threatening to kill 20 civilians in place of a policeman that may be killed during the forthcoming elections.
In the substantive suit, numbered FHC/L/CS/149/15, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration that the first defendant (Mbu) “is unfit to be a police officer in Nigeria.”
The plaintiff is praying the court to direct Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, the Police Service Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke, (who are the second to fourth defendants), to declare Mbu’s office vacant and replace him without further delay.
Alabi said Mbu, as a senior police officer, swore to uphold to the rule of law and abide by the constitution, but has allegedly been behaving as if he is above the law.
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