There was chaos on Sunday night at the home of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Abdullahi when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the residence to execute a search warrant.
The APC National chairman had allegedly resigned from his position following pressure from top members of the ruling party.
Reports say that EFCC agents arrived around 8:00 p.m. at 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 with the incident, including one of the officers involved.
According to Peoples Gazette, sources disclosed that a standoff immediately ensued 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.
“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,” said a source who spoke on conditions of anonymity.
He added: “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.