Lagos, Nigeria - The Nigeria police Force (NPF) has formally declared wanted a suspected Bokom Haram leader, Kabiru Umar, who escaped from police custody on Tuesday, and announced a reward of 50 million naira (US$320,500) for anyone who volunteers information that can lead to his re-arrest.

The reward was announced late Thursday, shortly after the expiration of the 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Hafiz Ringim, by the Police Affairs Minister, Mr. Caleb Olubolade, to explain the escape of the suspect or be fired.

It is not yet known if Ringim has filed a response to the query.

“The Police High Command has declared Kabiru Umar (a.k.a. Kabiru Sokoto) wanted in connection with  Cases of Bombing and Terrorism across the Northern States of the Federation, especially the Christmas- Day bombing of a Church at Madalla, Niger State which resulted into wanton destruction of lives and properties.

“Kabiru Umar who hails from Biu, Borno State, was last known to be residing at Bulletin Quarters, Abaji, FCT. He is aged 28 years, fair in complexion and speaks English, Hausa and Arabic languages fluently,' police spokesman Olusola Amore said in a statement..

Umar escaped while being conveyed for a search of his residence in Abaji, 70 kilomitres from Abuja, under security guard provided by five armed policemen.

The police hierarchy has already ordered the suspension of the police commissioner, Mr. Zakari Biu, who is in charge of investigating Umar, who was arrested in the Borno state government lodge in Abuja last weekend.

Umar's escape has been greeted by widespread anger, with the President of the umbrella Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oristejafor, saying: 'I am not completely surprised because we have said it before and we will continue to say it that there are people in our security agencies that have other loyalties than they have to Nigeria.'

Observers said the escape of the suspect confirms the statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan that the Boko Haram insurgents had infiltrated the highest echelons of his government.

Pana 20/01/2012