Abuja bombings: Rivalry between SSS, Police threatens probe

There are strong indications that rivalry between the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service may have informed their decision to conduct separate investigations into the October 1, 2010 twin car bombings in Abuja .

THE PUNCH learnt from a top security source in Abuja on Wednesday, that the two agencies had been carrying out their investigation without sharing information or evidence on the blasts that killed 14 persons and injured 66 others.

While the Police had arrested one person and declared two other suspects — Chima Orlu and Ben Jessey – wanted, the SSS said it had arrested nine persons.

Our source, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said that the police were not sure that Orlu and Jessey were not among those in the custody of the SSS.

Checks by our correspondent revealed that the masterminds of the explosions wouldn’t have succeeded if the two agencies had collaborated when intelligence report that some people were planning to bomb Abuja reached them.

A clear indication that the two agencies were not working together was the removal of seven vehicles parked in some areas in the Three arms zone, Abuja , by the SSS. The service was assisted by the military, the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the removal of vehicles.

The claim by the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, Mr. Haruna John, that the police had installed Close Circuit Television Cameras around Eagle Square on September 30 could also not be relied upon as there was no evidence that this was done.

Punch Newspaper