Tight Security As Nuhu Ribadu Returns

Written by Shola Adekola, Lagos Saturday, 05 June 2010

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday returned to the country after being on self-exile for about 18 months amid tight security.

The return of Ribadu through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the United States aboard a Delta Airline plane marked DL 053 from Atlanta, Georgia which touched down at 4.40 pm is being linked to rumours doing the rounds that he may be coming to join politics.

Ribadu, who was almost prevented from speaking to airport journalists because of the tight security, said he was happy to come back to Nigeria once again.

Clad in ash colour kaftan with a cap to match, he was received by his wife, three children, his lawyer, Femi Falana, among other family members and security details towards the end of the VIP section passage at the departure hall of the international airport.

When asked to speak on how he felt coming back to Nigeria, Ribadu only retorted: “I feel wonderful, great.”

Ribadu, who was forced to go on self exile when the Police Service Commission (PSC) declared him wanted and subsequently dismissed him from the Nigeria Police, eventually got a reprieve and was reinstated as an Assistant Inspector General of Police with effect from 22 December, 2008.

The former EFCC chief, who during his tenure stepped on toes through his confrontation with some powerful politicians, may likely play a vital role in the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was driven away in an R63 AMG Mercedes Benz class with registration number TJ 63-ABJ.

Ribadu had all his rights and rank earlier stripped reinstated last week and was subsequently retired.