Kwara: Police arrest suspects in brutal murder of motorcyclist
…warn against vigilante actions and fake news
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has announced the arrest of suspects linked to the horrific murder of Rafiu Akao, a 34-year-old motorcyclist found decapitated in the Asunlere area of Oke-Oyi, Kwara State.
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, disclosed details of the crime and issued warnings about misinformation and unauthorized vigilante actions.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin on Wednesday, CP Olaiya detailed the crime reported on November 4, when Akao’s headless body was discovered by locals near a stream. At the scene, investigators recovered an Itel Android phone and a motorcycle believed to be connected to the suspects.
Following intelligence leads, police apprehended two primary suspects—Peter Samuel, 38, and Jeremiah Tiozinda, 26—on November 6. According to Olaiya, both men confessed to their involvement, revealing that they discarded Akao’s head in a nearby river. Efforts to locate the missing body part are ongoing, with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) dedicating resources to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
In a related incident, CP Olaiya condemned a mistaken attack on an innocent farmer who was wrongly accused by villagers and commercial motorcyclists. The farmer’s vehicle was vandalized by two individuals, Yusuf Abdulkareem, 22, and Jaiyeola Fatai, 40. Both men now face charges of conspiracy, public disturbance, and mischief.
Warning against vigilante justice, CP Olaiya stated, “The public must avoid hasty actions. Vigilantism will be met with strict enforcement measures.”
Olaiya further addressed the spread of false information on social media, which had implicated a local eatery, “Item7,” in the crime. Abdulwakeel Olajuwon, the individual behind the rumors, shared the claims via his online platform, “Weaky TV.” He is now facing charges under the Cybercrimes Act for spreading unverified information that could incite harm and hinder the investigation.
“Deliberately spreading false information to incite harm or disrupt investigations is a serious offense with legal consequences,” Olaiya stated, urging the public to rely on verified updates from law enforcement.
The Commissioner assured residents that the police remain committed to resolving the case fully and emphasized the importance of responsible information sharing as investigations continue.
