Lagos Police declares land grabber wanted over deadly clash in Owode Onirin

…arrests 4 policemen for alleged illegal duty with suspect

The Lagos State Police Command has declared one Abiodun Ariori, CEO of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, wanted over his alleged role in the deadly violence in Owode Onirin area of the state.

Police restored calm in the area after a bloody clash between traders and suspected land grabbers left three persons dead and a police inspector critically injured.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a combined team of operatives drawn from the Operations Department, Police Mobile Force, Rapid Response Squad, Tactical units and the State CID to the troubled axis on Wednesday.

The intervention brought an end to the violence, cleared barricades on major roads, and reopened the market area to commercial activities.

According to investigators, preliminary findings linked wanted land grabber to the mayhem, but efforts to arrest him have so far proved abortive as he is believed to have gone into hiding.

The Command, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, urged members of the public with useful information on Ariori’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or call designated emergency numbers.

Hundeyin also disclosed that four policemen allegedly brought in from outside Lagos by the wanted suspect were arrested for engaging in illegal duty. They are currently undergoing orderly room trial at the Command Headquarters.

On the casualties, Police said three victims died of injuries sustained during the clash, while a Police Inspector remains on danger list in hospital.