It has been two weeks since the attack outside of State House and the police have been silent about the state of their investigation.
While the perpetrator, Nigerian national Dethiel Chimezie remains hospitalised it is unknown whether investigators have even obtained a statement from him.
The police had also said they were seeking help from Interpol (the International Criminal Police Organization) on Chimezie’s background. But it is unclear whether they were able to gather any information.
The attack outside State House occurred around 7.30 am on December 15 at the Carmichael Street entrance, during which Chimezie was also shot and injured.
Before he was wounded, Chimezie demanded to see President Irfaan Ali, stabbed Presidential guard, Telon Perreira five times and seized a gun from another guard. He then engaged in a shootout with guards.
Perreira remains hospitalised. President Ali promoted him on Saturday to the rank of Corporal.
This newspaper was informed that Chimezie showed up at State House and confronted Perreira, who was among the ranks on duty at the guard hut. He reportedly said, “I want the President”.
Chimezie then went into a pouch, which he had in his possession, and whipped out a knife that he used to launch the attack on Perreira.
Information reaching this newspaper revealed that Perreira then held onto Chimezie’s hand and the knife and a female rank who was present tried to assist him.
This caused the Nigerian to turn his attention to the female rank and he disarmed her of her firearm. Chimezie then used the weapon and started to shoot indiscriminately. Other ranks who were in the area returned fire, injuring him.
Investigators recovered a 9mm pistol and seven matching spent shells at the scene.
The attack has raised questions about the level of security provided at State House.
