Ovie Omo-Agege, the senator who allegedly led unidentified persons to the upper legislative chamber to seize the mace, says he has left the custody of the police.
He was arrested when he returned to the senate after accompanying the suspected thugs to an unknown destination.
Omo-Agege sat with his colleagues who reconvened the session after a “spare mace” was provided.
After the senate adjourned, he made his way out but was arrested before he got to the place his vehicle was.
In a statement which his office issued on his behalf on Wednesday evening, the lawmaker denied being involved the mace-snatching scandal.
He said he returned to the senate following a legal advice, saying he enjoyed the protection of some of his colleagues.
“On Thursday, April 12, 2018, the senate purportedly suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. However, based on legal advice and his understanding of the current position of the law, Senator Omo-Agege today resumed work and sitting with his colleagues,” the statement read.
“A few champions of the unconstitutional, invalid and tyrannical suspension tried to stop him but those who opposed it welcomed and protected him throughout the sitting. We are grateful to the many distinguished senators who stood by Senator Omo-Agege.
“We are aware of several media reports suggesting that Senator Omo-Agege personally removed or encouraged anyone to remove the mace of the senate. This weighty allegation is not true at all.
“Following the said media reports on the Mace issue, the Police authorities decided to hear from Senator Omo-Agege. He has told the Police his perspective to help them carry out a proper investigation. He has since left the police. Senator Omo-Agege trusts them to thoroughly investigate this very serious matter.
“We are also aware of a statement allegedly issued by the Senate Spokesperson, Senator Abdullahi Sabi. Without any investigation, Senator Sabi willfully, deliberately and unfairly made very serious allegations against Senator Omo-Agege on the Mace incident. We are carefully studying Senator Sabi’s allegations to ascertain their full ramifications. Appropriate responses will follow, as may be necessary.”
A source had earlier told TheCable that top officials of the presidency and some senators were mounting pressure on Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police, to release the lawmaker. (The Cable)
