LG boss tasks IG on killer DPO’s case

Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Dr. Oloruntoba Oke, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, to review the case of the suspected killer of a 27-year-old man by a former Divisional Police Officer of Pen Cinema, Segun Fabunmi.

Oke spoke during the one year remembrance organised by the council for Ademola Abe, who was allegedly shot dead by Fabunmi during the protest against fuel subsidy removal on January 9, 2012.

The council boss said, “Justice delayed is justice denied. It has been a year since he was cut short in his youth. I can assure the DPO (Fabunmi), the victim’s family and everyone present here that we will not stop pursuing justice for Abe.

“We need to send a clear message to the IG that he must get all the records of the investigation for review because this is a battle we will not relent on until justice is done. He must ensure that the case file is not tampered with.

“This case has not and cannot be swept under the carpet. I am aware that the state Ministry of Justice, Office of the Public Defender and the Nigerian Bar Association and Access to Justice are all taking steps on Ademola’s death.”

Oke assured the family of the deceased and youths in the community that the battle would continue.

He said he was sure Fabunmi was still in custody, even though many people had expressed doubt about this.

House of Assembly member representing Ifako-Ijaiye, Mr. Saka Fafunmi, said the delay on the prosecution of Fabunmi might be due to the fact that he was an officer.

Tajudeen said, “He committed the crime as an officer; his case will have to go before the Police Service Commission for appropriate action.

“This is not to say that his prosecution has been swept under the carpet. Ademola’s death has taught youths a lesson, that during a protest, the police may not be your friend after all.”

The programme, which was held in the front of the house where Ademola lived, featured a prayer session for the family.

Ademola was allegedly shot in the crouch by Fabunmi on Yaya Abatan Street, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, where a group of youths were playing football and reading newspapers.

Our correspondent observed that at least three pick-up vans with policemen were stationed in strategic places around Pen Cinema to forestall possible protest by the youth.

Some youths had after Abe was shot dead put his corpse in a cart and pushed it to the front of police station to protest the killing.

PUNCH