The Nigerian government on Monday said it would seek an order of
court for Channels Television to produce a video copy of an interview it
had with a senator, Isah Misau.
The interview, according to prosecution counsel, Alex Izinyon,
contains details of the allegations that the senator representing the
Bauchi Central District, Mr. Misau, spread falsehood against the
Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.
In an interview on the Politics Today live progranmme of the
Nigerian private television in August last year, Mr. Misau had leveled
allegations of corruption against the Nigeria police.
According to the charge against him in court, Mr. Misau falsely
accused the IGP’s office of collecting millions of naira from police
officers seeking promotion in the service.
The senator was also accused of falsely alleging s*xual misconduct
against Mr. Idris. On Monday, the prosecution amended the charges from
five to seven counts.
Mr. Misau is also accused of falsely linking the office of the IGP
with fraudulent collection of at least N10 billion from individuals and
oil marketers to provide them security.
The senator who was present in court, pleaded not guilty to the
amended charges. After taking his plea, the prosecution informed the
court of its desire to produce three witnesses in the next sitting and
to request a subpoena for service to Channels Television, which aired
Mr. Misau’s interview.
Speaking with journalists after the court hearing on Monday, Mr.
Izinyon said the aim of the subpoena is to help show the court the video
of the discussion Mr. Misau allegedly had with the media wherein the
allegedly false information was disseminated.
Mr. Misau’s allegation came shortly after the senator engaged in a
series of verbal war with the IGP. In reaction to the allegations made
against Mr. Idris, the police accused Mr. Misau of leaving the force
without properly executing his retirement.
That allegation was however refuted by the Police Service Commission.