Police officers stationed at the residence of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu on Sunday night prevented operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from entering the residence.
According to a report by Peoples Gazette, the EFCC operatives arrived around 8:00 p.m. at Mr. Adamu’s house on Ali Akilu Crescent, by Aso Rock Presidential Villa, and immediately met resistance from police orderlies attached to the politician, according to two sources familiar, including one of the officers involved.
A standoff immediately ensued, our sources said, after the police officers said no one would be permitted to enter the premises because it was already past 6:00 p.m.
The officers insisted, despite being shown a warrant duly signed by a judge. The content of the warrant was not immediately clear, but Mr Adamu had faced corruption allegations whose probe might still be active.
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“The police officers said no one can enter the house because it was already past 6:00 p.m. and already late for any search operation,” one of our sources said under anonymity to discuss the operation. “They said they won’t allow anyone inside even if they go back to bring the judge that signed the warrant.”
The officers, who sources said arrived in four trucks, spent hours trying unsuccessfully to resolve the matter. No casualties were reported during the standoff, which a source described as “physically intense.” Spokespersons for the police and the EFCC were not available for comment between the small hours of Monday and at the opening of business.
Meanwhile controversies have continue to trail the alleged resignation of the Senator Abdullahi Adamu on Sunday as National Chairman of the APC>
While some sources confirmed that the embattled chairman had resigned from his position, others said it was a rumour.
However, the alleged resignation is yet to be officially confirmed as of press time, as top APC chieftains contacted by our correspondents gave conflicting information.
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On Sunday night, media outlets run by Mr Tinubu’s aides circulated reports that Mr Adamu had stepped down following a concerted intervention by the national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as well as Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo.
Two members of the party’s national working body acknowledged hearing Mr Adamu had resigned, but none was able to confirm evidence of his resignation, with one strongly condemning the chairman for not informing members of his move.
Notwithstanding his fierce political gamesmanship, Mr. Adamu’s exit as APC chairman appeared more likely than not to be dispositive, as party members said his open confrontation with the president has never been historically successful for any party chairman, especially during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration when several party chairmen who tried to were eased out.