President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the suspension of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang with immediate effect.
According to a statement by the Director of Press, Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Yusuf Isiaka, Parradang was directed to hand over to the most senior officer, DCG, Martin Kure Abeshi.
The statement read “The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. David Parradang, has been suspended from office with immediate effect. “Meanwhile, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr. Martin Kure Abeshi, who is the most senior officer has been directed to take over the affairs of the office.”
The suspension may be connected with the ongoing investigations into how a Lebanese terrorist, Ahmed Al Assir obtained a Nigerian visa by the Nigerian embassy in Beruit, Lebanon.
A foreign ministry official had earlier hinted that the President is furious over the incident and he has ordered the Foreign Ministry to investigate how a valid visa was issued to the Sunni Muslim extremist who has been on the run for more than two years.
The official said “We are amazed that such a high-profile terrorist would evade our radar. This is a major breach that cannot be allowed to go without investigation.”
The suspected terrorist is accused of murdering and attempting to murder soldiers and civilians, committing terrorist operations and possessing weapons and explosives.