A suspected Boko Haram member who was alleged to be plotting an attack on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Yola, Adamawa State, has been apprehended by security operatives.
The suspect was among three others apprehended in Atiku’s residence in Yola and handed over to the police.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Jubrila Mohammed, is a native of Damboa in Borno State.
Mohammed said he and the others planned on attacking organisations associated with Atiku and some other sensitive locations in Yola.
Others include Mohammed Bulama, 28, Ibrahim Mohammed, 27, and Musa Mohammed, 26.
A statement by Atiku’s Media Office reads: ‘Police arrest four suspects in plot to attack Atiku, others in Yola
‘We wish to alert the Nigerian public that at about 9:44 pm on Sunday, 23 July, 2023, a man seeking to confirm the residence of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar in Yola was apprehended at the gate of the residence.’
‘The man who was apprehended by security operatives at the residence of Atiku Abubakar was later handed over to the police.
‘Upon further interrogation by the Police, the suspect identified himself as a 29 year-old Jubrila Mohammed and confessed to being a Boko Haram member from Damboa in Borno State.
‘The suspect also informed the Police that he and his colleagues, who were later arrested too, intended to attack organisations associated with Atiku Abubakar and some other sensitive locations in Yola.
‘All four suspects have been handed over to military authorities.
‘We commend the police for the work that they continue to do in this particular investigation.
‘We further ask that other relevant security agencies remain on top of their brief.’
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has come out to claim that those unsettled by the bid of its presidential candidate to reclaim his mandate are the ones behind the plot to silence him.
PDP called for a comprehensive investigation into the attempt by Boko Haram members to attack Atiku.