FG moves to free Boko Haram Suspects

Apparently overwhelmed by the number of Boko Haram suspects in detention, the federal government has set up a board to free detainees proven not to have links with the terrorist organisation.

In the wake of the emergency rule slammed on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, hundreds of suspects were arrested by the Joint Task Force (JTF), and clamped in detention.

Pointblanknews.com gathered that with the number of detainees swelling, the federal government set up the Joint Interrogation Board (JIB) comprising officers from several security organisations.

Defence sources confirmed that the board has a Brigadier-General from the Military Police of the Army as chairman, with another officer from Defence Headquarters as secretary.

The board, it was also gathered, has representatives from the Navy, Airforce, police, and Department of State Security (DSS).

Also to serve as members are representatives from Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Also members of the board.
Pointblanknews.com investigations revealed, are the Attorney-Generals of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

The board is billed for inauguration Friday in Abuja.

Pointblanknews.com also gathered that the board would leave Abuja at the weekend, and spend at least a month in the three states.

Defence sources told Pointblanknews.com that the board would first berth in Borno State and begin interrogation the hordes of suspects from next week. Thereafter, it was learnt, the board would move to Yobe and then, Adamawa States.

“They would jointly but painstakingly interview each suspect in detention on a case by case basis. Any suspect considered to have been unjustly arrested and detained would be freed without conditions,” a source offered.

“We know it is going to be a very difficult assignment, but it is a very good idea and would help sift the wheat from the chaff.

“The committee is made up of very experienced security and legal experts. By the time they are done, any suspects left will truly know that they have cases to answer,” he added.