Groups, Osun police disagree over killing of armed robbery suspect

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Civil Society groups, including the Osun Police Watch have accused Osun State Police Command of murder in the killing of a middle aged man, Afolabi Abiola Olamide.

But the police said Olamide was an armed robbery suspect, who was shot in the leg during an operation but later died from his injuries in the hospital.

But the civil society groups accused men of the Command of extra judicial killings and extortions of innocent citizens with the connivance of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olawale Olokode.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Friday, the groups said the latest of the atrocity of the Osun police was the gruesome murder of Olamide who was shot dead in Osogbo. 

Leader of the group, Mr Oluwaseun Idowu said: “We received with shock on Thursday the news of the alleged shooting of Mr Olamide around 12.30am in front of his house in Capital Area, Osogbo on Sunday. The victim was said to have been shot in the leg by men of the police force from Housing Police Station, Ring Road, Osogbo while he was eating indomie with his friend Matthew (who is currently being detained) and his girlfriend (who was also arrested but has since been released). 

“We are aware of the underground moves to accuse the victims of armed robbery so as to justify the shooting whereas there are eyewitnesses who may disagree with this idea and we await how this will play out in the court of law and public opinion.

“We condemn in very strong terms the use of excessive force that is now becoming the operational code of the men of Osun Command of the Nigeria Police which has resulted in deaths of some citizens of the state. We also condemn the brazen disregard for the rule of law and the provisions of the police act in illegally detaining suspects and denying them their right to a lawyer as constitutionally provided.

‘May we quickly recall that the Osun State Command of the Nigerian Police Force other than protecting the citizenry has almost become an abattoir where lives are freely taken without a recourse.

“We recall the extra judicial killing by the police of three young men while being transported to the Ilesa correctional center and till now the case is being swept underground with the police officers involved not been exposed and brought to justice.

“We also recall the extra judicial killing of one Prince Olabomi who was murdered in cold blood at the Oke Onitea area of the state capital and despite calls by the people for justice, the case is still not been given the needed attention and closure needed in ensuring that the police officer responsible is brought to book and justice served.”

The deceased, according to sources was a wine seller. His parents were said to be based in the north. His aunty allegedly brought him to Osogbo in search of greener pasture before the unfortunate incident. 

Earlier on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Yemisi Opalola had announced the death of Olamide while warning youths not to participate in any form of protest in the state.

Opalola also said the deceased and his colleagues were armed robber suspects. 

She said: “Credible intelligence at the disposal of the Command revealed that some youths, individuals or groups are planning to embark on protest against police carrying out their lawful duties.

“In view of this, the Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode, wishes to set the record straight that, on 29th day of March, 2022 at about 02:14am the Commissioner of Police received a distressed call from a woman around Dada Estate Area of the state, Zone Nine, behind Capital Hotel, Osogbo about the activities of some suspected criminals who had jumped into her compound and invaded the premises.

“Upon the information received, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed officers and men of the Nigerian Police into the area.

“On sighting the presence of the members of the Nigerian Police, they quickly scaled through the fence and ran into the bush. The police chased them but they escaped. They carted away 1 laptop, 5 phones, N300,000 and other valuable items. Consequent upon this, the Commissioner of Police increased surveillance and patrol around the area.

“Five days after the above incident that is Monday, 4th day of April, 2022 at about 02:15am, the information received based on intelligence was that some fully armed suspected criminals and hoodlums were holding nocturnal meeting behind a house around the same Dada Estate Area, Zone 11, behind Capital Hotel, Osogbo in preparation to perpetrate further criminal activities in the Area.

“Consequently, the police quickly stormed the area. On sighting the Police, the suspected criminals opened fire on them, police responded accordingly and in the process, one of the suspected criminals was hit and injured. Two were arrested, including a lady while others escaped through the bush.

“Items recovered from the scene of the incident includes; one cut to size single barrel gun, one live and one expended cartridges, Army Camouflage T-shirt, Nigerian Army ID card, charms etc.

“The injured suspected criminal was taken to a hospital for treatment but later died.

“The arrested people are still under interrogation and efforts are being put in place to arrest the other fleeing suspects.”

Shortly after the briefing, some youths stormed the streets, blocking major roads in Osogbo to protest the killing.

They demanded for justice and the immediate release of the corpse of the deceased.