Lagos CP orders arrest of DPO over death of sergeant
Joy Anyim
A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Ilemba Hausa Police Division, Yahaya Mohammed Adeshina, has been arrested for the murder of a police sergeant, Onalaja Onajide.
Adeshina, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), had allegedly shot the sergeant, a station guard, while dispersing a crowd at the division.
It was gathered that the DPO had informed the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, that two military deserters, later arrested, were responsible for the crime.
However, the wife of the deceased had insisted that some policemen from the division had called to inform her that her husband was shot by Adeshina.
Armed with the information, Mrs. Onalaja had insisted that the state police headquarters investigate the matter thoroughly.
The call for investigation paid off as CP Odumosu ordered the arrest of the CSP, and transfer of the case to the State Criminal investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Yaba.
According to a statement by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Elkana Bala, the CP had also ordered an autopsy, as the service rifle of the senior police officer had been retrieved for forensic examination.
The PPRO said: “ The Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu has ordered the transfer of the case involving the shooting and killing of Sergeant Onalaja Onajide attached to Ilemba Hausa Division, to SCIID for discreet investigation.
“This decision followed the reports received by the Command alleging the Divisional Police Officer, Ilemba Hausa, CSP Yahaya Mohammed Adeshina, of shooting the Sergeant while dispersing crowds that gathered in front of the Station. The DPO is arrested and detained at SCIID for investigation.
“His rifle is retrieved for forensic examination. The Command has ordered that autopsy be carried out on the deceased person. The Commissioner of Police expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the fallen colleague and assured them that the Command will stand with them in this moment of grief and ensure that justice prevails. ”
Bala stated further that the two military deserters will be handed over to the appropriate military formation for investigation.
