Senate President presides over NASS session hours after drama with Police

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is currently presiding over plenary at the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly just hours after police officers laid siege to his home.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force blocked the convoy of the Senate President at his Abuja residence at Lake Chad Crescent in Maitama on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. The home of his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, was also besieged by police officers and operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.

The blockade of Saraki's convoy is believed to be in connection to his scheduled meeting with police authorities to answer questions over his alleged links to the criminal gang that carried out the Offa robbery attack that led to the death of 33 people in April.

It's unclear how the Senate President made it out of his residence, but he appeared at the National Assembly and is presiding over the day's session.

UPDATE

Saraki condemns actions of security operatives

While speaking during Tuesday's plenary, the Senate President said he decided to chair the day's session after Ekweremadu called to inform him that he couldn't leave his house to deputise for him while he honoured the police invitation.

He said, "As you know the seat of the DSP, Ike Ekweremadu is absent. He cannot get out of his house. He is being held under seige.

"This morning I could not also leave my street as well because some people believed today's seating must not hold because some members want to move or defect.

"This is not something that started today. It will not end today. People have gone and come back, but these types of actions do not allow for such.

"As we are speaking, our DSP cannot leave the house. We must save this democracy. People have free association. They can even move tomorrow. I am sitting here and 16 members have decamped or defected to one party to another and there has been no seige.

"I don't believe that this should come to this level where people would be laid under seige for something that is personal to them."

15 Senators who were members of the APC dumped the ruling party during Tuesday's session.

EFCC questions Ekweremadu over money laundering

Reports later emerged that the EFCC questioned Ekweremadu over allegations of money laundering, conspiracy and abuse of office.

In a letter of invitation, dated July 24, the EFCC asked the lawmaker to show up at its office by 10am on Tuesday, the same day the letter was issued.

The letter read, "The commission is investigating the above mentioned case in which your name featured prominently and the need to obtain clarifications from you became imperative.

"In view of the above, you are kindly requested to report and interview the undersigned at 5, Famela Street Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent Wuse II, Abuja on Tuesday 24th July, 2018 at 10am prompt.

"This request is made pursuant to section 38 (1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes (Establishment) Act, 2004."

In a statement signed by Ekweremadu's Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, early on Tuesday, he said the lawmaker was never invited until the morning siege.