Caption: Gov Tanko Almakura swearing an oath before the commission prior to his testimony
By Godwin Ojoshimite
The spiritual leader of the outlawed Ombatse cult, Lega Agu, Baba Alakio, has again turned down the invitation of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry probing the May 7 massacre of security operatives in Nasarawa State.
The Retired Justice Joseph Fola Gbadeyan led-commission had earlier summoned Baba Alakio through Senator Solomon Ewuga to appear before it on October 4 but he did not turn up.
After 5 hours of endless waiting for Baba Alakio on Monday, the commission convened at 3:00PM to chart the way forward.
Reacting to the turn of events, A.A Abdullahi counsel representing Lafia Emirate Council and Kwandere Community expressed displeasure over Baba Alakio’s non appearance at the commission.
He urged the commission to exercise all powers within it jurisdiction to arrest Baba Alakio if he refuses to turn up again.
Responding, the chairman of the commission, retired Justice Gbadeyan, jokingly asked the lawyer: “Barrister Abdullahi if we want to arrest Baba Alakio, will you lead the team?”.
The chairman, however, expressed displeasure at the rate at which the commission’s invitations were ignored by several persons.
He added that the commission will give the Ombatse priest till Monday November 1, for the purpose of fair hearing.
When our reporter contacted the legal adviser of Ombatse group, Zachary Zamani Allumaga to inquire why the spiritual leader shunned the commission, he could not explain.
“Well, Baba Alakio was invited by the Commission and i went to Nasarawa Eggon so that i can pick him but he didn’t show up. So, for now we don’t know why he didn’t come until we
make contacts,” he said.
Reacting to the issue, the attorney – general of the state, Innocent Lagi, who spoke to our reporter on phone said despite the fact government has made efforts to assure Baba Alakio of his safety at the commission, he was certain that the spiritual leader of the group will not show up.
He added that the spiritual leader is likely not to show up on the new date fixed by the commission.
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