OSUN PDP DEMANDS THOROUGH PROBE INTO TEENAGER’S KILLING, SEEKS IGP’S OVERSIGHT
Read Time:2 Minute, 51 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation into the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, who was allegedly shot dead in Ilobu by suspected political hoodlums.
The party also urged the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to personally monitor the investigation to ensure that justice is served without political interference.
The demand was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo and signed by the Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi.
Condemning the killing, Bisi insisted that everyone connected with the crime must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
He further alleged that operatives of the Osun State Police Command invaded the residence of the PDP chairman in Irepodun Local Government Area on the night of June 29 without prior invitation, claiming that valuables were damaged during the operation.
According to the PDP, the development raises concerns that the investigation may be shifting focus away from those allegedly responsible for the killing.
“The PDP considers this development disturbing and capable of creating the impression that the investigation process is being deliberately diverted from individuals allegedly linked to the crime towards political opponents.
“Accordingly, we call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant institutions to closely monitor this investigation and ensure that it is conducted fairly, professionally and without political interference,” the statement read.
The party also demanded an investigation into the alleged threats made against operatives of the Osun Security Network Agency (Amotekun) before the attack, as well as the reported owners of the vehicle allegedly used by the suspected hoodlums during the incident.
It further called on the police to explain the circumstances surrounding the reported raid on the residence of the PDP chairman in Irepodun Local Government Area and to reassure the public of their political neutrality.
Bisi said the PDP would continue to support the family of the deceased in their quest for justice and resist any attempt to politicise or compromise the investigation.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Osun State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, did not connect, while WhatsApp messages sent to him had not been answered as of the time of filing this report.
The development follows the parade of one Kareem Saheed, popularly known as Tanfeani, alongside 23 other suspects by the Osun State Police Command over offences including membership of an unlawful society and thuggery.
Tanfeani is accused of leading suspected hoodlums to the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu on the day Ezekiel Olapade was fatally shot.
The deceased’s father, Gbenga Olapade, alleged that the suspect led the gang that attacked his wife’s palm wine bar, located opposite the local government secretariat, and that his son was struck by bullets allegedly fired at another individual inside the premises.
However, Tanfeani denied any involvement in the killing, insisting he was at the APC party office in Ilobu when the incident occurred.
He also denied allegations arising from a viral video showing him carrying a firearm, claiming the footage was recorded two days earlier after he allegedly disarmed suspected hoodlums affiliated with the Accord Party during a clash at the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat.
“I am being victimised because I belong to the APC,” he said.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0