Lagos, Nigeria - Nigeria's Police Service Commission has announced the immediate dismissal of Police Commissioner Zakari Biu from service, over his role in January's escape of the suspected mastermind of the Christmas day bombing that left 44 dead in Madalla, near the capital city of Abuja.

The Chief Information Officer of the Commission, Mr. Ferdinand Ekpe, announced the decision in a statement issued in Abuja Wednesday, following a meeting of the Commission.

The Commission found Mr. Biu culpable in the escape of Kabiru Umar 'Sokoto', when he was being taken from Abuja to Abaji on the city outskirts for a search of his residence.

The suspect was re-arrested earlier this month.

His escape hastened the retirement of Alhaji Hafiz Ringim as the Inspector General of Police.

Pana 22/02/2012