The Senate yesterday ordered the arrest of ex-Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, for alleged financial crimes.
The 11-man Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions investigated allegations of financial crimes and corruption brought against Lamorde by Dr. George Uboh, a human rights activist.
The Chairman of the committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, presented the report of his committee to Senate in plenary.
Anyanwu told the Senate that after a series of invitations, the former EFCC boss failed to appear.
The committee chairman referred to three letters of invitation to invite Lamorde to appear before the committee on August 19, 2015, November 3, 2015 and November 11, 2015.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu intervened by raising a Point of Order.
Ekweremadu referred the Senate to sections 88(1) and 89 (1c&d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Ekweremadu said: “What is required here is for the committee to issue a warrant of arrest and the president of the Senate will direct the police to effect the arrest.”
Senate President, Bukola Saraki sustained Ekweremadu’s Point of Order.
Saraki said: “The issue has been well spelt out by the deputy Senate president, he has referred to the constitution. Based on the Constitution, this matter does not need to come to us at plenary. It should be left at the level of the committee and in accordance with Section 89 of the Constitution. So I will sustain the point of order of the DSP.”
Ten of 11 members of the committee endorsed the report presented by Anyanwu, except Senate Deputy Leader Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South).
