Five to be tried for murder over DPO’s death

THE Oyo State Ministry of Justice has recommended five of the 32 suspects arrested for killing the Agugu Divisional Police Officer in Ibadan, Ike Nworgu, in a mob attack a few months ago for trial while discharging 27 others.

Nworgu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was murdered on April 1, at Adekile area when he went to appease some irate youths who had raised alarm over the existence of an underground kidnappers’ den where people were kept.

Having mobilised his men to the place to douse the tension, and having protected the owner of the house, Samuel Adebayo, from being lynched by them, the irate boys pounced on the DPO by matcheting him and shooting him in the head‎ with the service pistol they snatched from him.

The killing had sparked off a reprisal action from the police, as well as soldiers, who besieged the community for about two weeks and arrested about 46 suspects in connection with the crime. However, 32 of the accused persons were arraigned at the Magistrate’s Court while their files were sent to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice.

In the report sent on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecution by Olatunde Mojoyinola, a prima facie case has been established against five of the suspects and must stand trial while 27 others were acquitted. ‎

The document read in part, “having carefully reviewed the duplicate case file, it is hereby advised that the following should be charged with the offences of conspiracy contrary to and punishable under section 324, and murder contrary to section 316 and punishable under section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo state. 2000”.

They are: Sakiru Rafiu (a.k.a. Lapanpa), Abdulahi Dabiri, Yemi Onifade (a.k.a. Olota), Ismail Alli ‎(a.k.a. Etti), and Rilwan Muili (a.k.a. Soko). The 27 suspects discharged are Adebayo Hammed, Rilwan Okikiola, Rilwan Kazeem, Ogunniran Olalekan, ‎Tiri Oladele, Lateef Sulaimon, Taofeek Ajibola, Ajibade Olayode, Jelili Rafiu, Adesina Sodiq, Opeyemi Rafiu, Adebayo Kudus, Kudus Dauda, Olusegun Onaolapo, and Dare Rasak. Others include Abiodun Olanrewaju, Alimotu Oriyomi, Obisesan Tobi, Lanre Ajekiigbe, Ogundele Kazeem, Fatose Dele, Olajire Mutiu, Dayo Oriade, Yemi Morenikeji, and Taye Johnson.