3 Suspects Nabbed Over Killing Of Police officer During Protest In Lagos

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, has paraded three suspects, who allegedly killed a Policeman in Ajah area of the state, took over and operated as officers with their uniforms.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspects, Abidemi Ayomide, Rufus Anthony and Gift Godson, allegedly accosted the Policeman last Wednesday, killed, carted away his uniform and other apparatus and started operating as Police officers in the area.

The suspects were among the criminal elements arrested and paraded for their involvement in violence during the #EndSARS protest in the State.

While parading the suspects at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, revealed that the suspects were arrested alongside 517 others. 
Odumosu noted that the suspects and other hoodlums in the sate had hijacked the #EndSARS protest to unleash mayhem in the state.   

He said: “It is a known fact that the protest was hijacked by armed hoodlums, who have been responsible for series of killings, arson and looting of many shopping outlets in the state. Thorough investigation into the cases has commenced”. 
“Members of the public should be rest assured that they will be updated as investigation progresses.”
However, the suspects denied their involvement in the murder of the Police officer killed during the mayhem in the area.
Speaking on how he was arrested, Ayomide, 30, denied killing the Policeman saying he was just walking along Ajah Expressway when he was arrested.
He said: “I was walking on the road when the Police saw me and pointed a gun at me that I had killed a Policeman. They ordered me into a waiting vehicle and I had no option but to do as they ordered because a gun was pointed to my head”.  
“I am not a criminal, I work at a block moulding factory. Since my arrest last week, I have not been able to reach members of my family.”

On his part, Godson said he was going to a bank close to a Police Division that was set ablaze, but chose to stop over to get pictures of the Police Division but was arrested.

“I just stopped to take pictures of the Division, which was burnt beyond recognition, and that was how I was arrested by the Police that I am part of the suspects that had killed a Policeman the previous day” he said. 

CP Odumosu showered encomium on Officers and men of the Command for their doggedness and commitment to maintain law and order in the state. 
The Police Boss stated that the operatives had worked tirelessly to restore normalcy in the state, while also commending the community leaders and stakeholders for their support.

“I commend our community leaders and stakeholders especially on recovery of the looted arms, ammunition and valuables. They have been so helpful. The Command appreciates other sister security agencies for their support in the struggle for restoration of peace and harmony to the state.” 
“I specially appreciate the Governor and the good people of Lagos State for supporting the Police in all ramifications to discharge its duties as expected. Permit me to reassure the good people of Lagos State that we will leave no stone unturned in providing adequate security for all and sundry.” 
“Emphatically, for the ember months, the Command has put measures in place to legally deal with the criminals, who might want to foment troubles or deprive law- abiding Lagosians of their property ” he assured.

The CP Hakeem Odumosu said that the suspects will be charged before the Court after the conclusion of investigation for conspiracy and murder which attracts life imprisonment if they are tried and found guilty before by the Court.