The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has apologised to the Commissioner of Police Zakari Biu, for mentioning his case on a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Programme, Good Morning Nigeria.
A statement on Monday, September 7, 2015 by PDP national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the party mentioned in passing, the issue of the reinstatement of Mr. Zakari Biu, while discussing the sensitivity and feelings of Nigerians on the war against insurgency on the programme.
“The comment is highly regretted, especially as we are now very much aware that Mr. Zaraki Biu’s exoneration and reinstatement were done in line with extant laws of the country, and is beyond any irregularity.
“We therefore sincerely and honestly apologise to Mr. Zakari Biu, his family, friends and associates, for this highly regrettable slip,” the party said.
Biu was dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force in 2011 following the escape of Boko Haram commander, Kabiru Sokoto from custody under his watch. He has been promoted just two months prior to the incident. Sokoto was recaptured in February 2012 by operatives of Nigeria’s Secret Police (DSS). Sokoto confessed to being aided by senior police officers during his escape.
Sokoto is a confessed Boko Haram commander and suspect in the mastermind of the Christmas Day Madalla, Suleja Church bombing which killed about 43 persons including children and women. An entire family was killed when two car bombs exploded at the Catholic Church in 2011.
A statement by the Police Commission signed by Ikechukwu Ani, head of Press and Media Relations, the decision to exonerate Biu was taken after his appeal was considered in a meeting presided over by the chairman, Mr. Mike Okiro, a former police inspector-general. Biu was exonerated and retired statutorily.
