Nigeria opens probe into Boko Haram sect sponsors

Nigeria is probing sponsors of the Boko Haram sect, which has carried out deadly attacks in the northern and central parts of the oil-rich West African country since 2009. Nigeria's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar made the disclosure to reporters in the capital Abuja on Wednesday. The investigation involves three people including the immediate past governor of the northeastern state of Borno, Ali Modu-Sheriff, and two serving senators Ahmed Zanna and Ali Ndume. They were accused of being sponsors of the dreaded sect and put under watch by security operatives. "We cannot take anybody to court without ample evidence. Investigators need evidence to pursue their cases. So we need assistance," the police chief said, pleading with the public to cooperate the security agency to assist with any information that could help in prosecuting the suspects. "We want crimes to be resolved quicker and faster," he added, noting there had been so many unresolved cases of murder and kidnap in the country. Waves of attack believed to be perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect have been reported in the northern and central parts of Nigeria. The Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in its latest report that more than 1,500 people, including women and children, had been killed in various attacks by the Boko Haram sect since 2009.