Monarch seeks Buhari's intervention, accuses Osun CP, AIG of sheilding trigger-happy policeman

By John Olaniyi

Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, has accused Osun state Commissioner of Police, Wale Olokode, and Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI, Joseph Gobum, of shielding a riot police operative, Adamu Garba, and others involved  in the alleged killing of one Saheed Olabomi in Osogbo.

Oba Olabomi, who spoke to newsmen in his palace in Iragbiji, also accused the Commandant Mopol Base 39, Osogbo, Sebastian Moorkwa, of frustrating efforts to get justice by the family of the deceased.

The royal father also said since July 27, 2021 when the deceased was shot around Oke Onitii area, Osogbo, efforts at ensuring that Garuba and others involved were tried by the police through orderly room trial, had failed.

He added that even though family of the deceased were made to believe that the Garuba had been dismissed and that he would be prosecuted, "for more than six months, the suspects were not arraigned. Our family had to seek take-over of the matter by the state. 

"Yet, it took several months before the file could be released to the Ministry. On inquiry, it was discovered that Aig Mr. Mukan, Joseph Gobum was said to have been pressured by the Commandant Mopol 39 Mr. Moorkwap to subvert justice and exonerate a Murder suspect in a celebrated murder case.

"On behalf of the Olabomi family of Iragbiji hereby call on the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to kindly intervene in an attempt to bury clear case of murder all because the perpetrator is a police personnel.

"I also call on the Inspector General of Police Mr Usman Alkali Baba to direct the AIG Zone XI and his other co-travellers to revisit the matter and allow justice to take its full course on the culprits," the monarch said.

When contacted for reaction, the spokesperson of Osun police command, Yemisi Opalola, however denied allegations that police leadership was shielding the suspects, saying after the incident, Garuba was arrested and detained for almost one month, during which he was subjected to orderly room trial.

"The policeman was dismissed by the Osun state police command. But he appealed against his dismissal at the higher level. Succh appeal was allowed as it falls within his right. 

"We urge the family of the deceased to be patient and allowed the policeman exhaust his right of appeal. Justice will be served," Opalola concluded.