Following a clash that ensued between hoodlums and police in the Moniya area of Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan on Tuesday, the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police officer attached to Moniya Area Command killed by the hoodlums.
SP Adewale Osifeso, the State PPRO disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to him, officers from the Moniya Area Command were on lawful intelligence-led stop and search around a major black-spot before they were attacked in the line of duty.
The statement reads partly:
“Today, being Tuesday 25/04/2023 at about 1015hrs, Operatives attached to Moniya Area Command under the Oyo State Police Command while on lawful intelligence led Stop and Search around a Major Black-spot were attacked in the line of duty.
“Preliminary Investigation reveals that the patrol team while acting on credible intelligence through visible policing duties extended their presence around major black spots, highways and major roads under Akinyele Local Government Area axis in a bid to deter criminal elements from settling and establishing dominance within the location.
“In furtherance of the above, the team of operatives on patrol led by one Inspr Stanley Ikhine, flagged-down an Ash colored Lexus 350 Jeep with a faintly inscribed worn-off number further arousing suspicion from the officers on watch.
“In the process, the vehicle initially slowed down in compliance with the directive before eventually picking up speed and dashing off to evade the officers on duty.
“This action led to a chase by the officers in a bid to establish further clarity of facts.
“A few meters away from the initial stoppage point, the Lexus Jeep veered off the road to a nearby garage, driving directly into the waiting hands of hoodlums who were also collaborators in the criminal process, thereby not only obstructing the officers from discharging their duties but as well aiding the escape of the SUV and its occupants,”
Osifeso said the hoodlums attacked the officers unprovoked and forcefully attempted to drag a rifle from one of the officers, which led to a shot been discharged from the barrel during the struggle.
“Sadly, the gallant officer paid the supreme price, suffering a heavy blow to his skull inflicted by one of the hoodlums while preventing them from disposessing him off his firearm.
“The body of the deceased have since been deposited at the state morgue for post-mortem while seven persons have been arrested alongside 12 motorcycles impounded in connection with the incident,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Williams, has reiterated the command’s respect and cordiality for the fourth members of the estate of the realm. He has subsequently ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances that led to the arrest of Mr John Alabi, the Oyo State Correspondent of Silverbird Television, who was allegedly apprehended by operatives in the heat of the incident.
Osifeso said the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been assigned to take over the case for detailed investigations.
“Residents are advised to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or molestation.
“Updates would be provided accordingly, please.
“Lastly, in cases of emergencies, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (Toll free) (Oyo State Security Trust Fund), and Oyo State Police Command Emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614,” he added.