Guardian

… Police Arrest Suspects

OBA Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos Friday urged security agents in the state to live up to their creed and ensure that security of lives are guaranteed in the state.

Akiolu described the murder of one of his white cap chiefs, Chief Kayode Adeshina Onimole, on Thursday as an unfortunate incident, reiterating that security agents should re-strategise and do the right thing to avoid a repeat of such ugly incidents in the future.

The state Police Command has confirmed that over 100 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

A reliable source at the police headquarters in Ikeja told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that those arrested included some of the deceased family members and youths in the area.

As part of effort to checkmate similar incident, Akiolu has prohibited parking of vehicles around Iga-Iduguran and Isale Eko axis of Lagos Island, as well as the entire Adeniji Adele area.

The monarch, who made the declaration during a courtesy visit on him by the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), Rilwanu Musa, at his palace, called on members of the public to assist the police in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Onimole by offering information that could lead to the apprehension of the assailants.

He said tragedy of such had never occurred in his domain since his ascension to the throne 10 years ago, asserting that the incident was a wake up call for all to be more security conscious.

Akiolu urged the acting CGI to put in more efforts in checkmating the influx of illegal foreigners into the country, in view of its current security challenges.

The monarch said foreigners repatriated by the Immigrations must be promptly followed-up by ensuring they did not return back to the country.

The Immigration boss said: “We have also tried to mobilise them with motorcycles to ensure that they are able to reach areas where you have illegal foreigners.”

He condoled the monarch on the death of Onimole.

Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ngozi Braide (DSP), confirmed the arrest, but declined to give any figure.

“We have made some arrest between Thursday and Friday (yesterday). Many persons have been arrested for investigation. The suspects will be screened and those that have no question to answer will be released.

“We appeal to members of the public to be patient with the police so that they can do a better job.

“We also appeal to those with useful information to contact the Commissioner of Police and other senior officers. We assured of adequate protection of our informants,’’ Braide said.

The spokesperson said that all the suspects had been transferred to the Homicide Section of the Lagos State CID, Panti, which had taken over the investigation of the case.

On items carted away by the suspected gunmen, Braide said that only the Blackberry mobile phone of one of the deceased children was reported stolen, adding that through investigation, the police would be able to ascertain if the killing was an assassination attempt or robbery.

“We recovered three locally made live cartridges at the scene.”