October 23, (THEWILL) – The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Edo State, AIG Abutu Yaro, has ordered the withdrawal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Auchi Division, CSP Ayodele Suleiman, over the controversial death of one of the attackers of the General Overseer, Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman.
Gunmen had attacked the convoy of the Auchi-based preacher Friday evening, along Warake Road, as he was returning to his base in Auchi.
While Apostle Suleman escaped death reportedly with the aid of his bulletproof vehicle, six people including three police officers and three aides of the Cleric were killed by the gunmen.
One other aide of the Cleric was reportedly whisked away by the gunmen.
Police, on Saturday, identified the names of the victims as Police Inspectors Igbaugba Paragon, Afensumu Philip and Akpolor Monday.
Others killed were Ahmed Promise, Momoh Ilegogi and Janet (surname unknown), while one Vera (surname unknown), was suspected to have been whisked away by the assailants.
It was gathered that one of the hoodlums was later apprehended and shot dead by police operatives in Auchi division. The killing of the suspect has led to speculations about an alleged plot to cover up the attackers.
A few hours after the attack, Suleman raised alarm over the alleged killing of the arrested suspect by the police.
He alleged that the attack was not carried out by suspected kidnappers, but an attempt by his enemies.
According to him, “Lies…they weren’t kidnappers…He was caught and handed over and the police killed him immediately. Why? why kill him on the spot, who is trying to cover up traces?” he queried.
Responding to the development, the state Police boss, AIG Yaro, ordered the withdrawal of CSP Suleiman, the DPO of Auchi Division, for debriefing at the command’s headquarters in Benin, with immediate effect over the controversial death of the arrested suspect.
Deputy Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, who confirmed the withdrawal of the DPO in a statement on Saturday, urged members of the public to remain calm, as no stone would be left unturned to unearth the circumstances surrounding the killing of the suspect.
“As part of the measures of the Command concerning the circumstances that led to the death of one of the surviving members of the monstrous gang that attacked the convoy of Apostle Johnson Suleman, General overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, the outgoing CP now AIG Abutu Yaro fdc, has ordered the withdrawal of CSP Ayodele Suleiman, DPO Auchi, for debriefing at the State Headquarters with immediate effect”, the statement said.
Commenting on the attack, ASP Iwegbu disclosed that on receipt of the news of the attack, “DPO Auchi immediately mobilised policemen, gave the assailants a hot chase, and engaged them. One of the assailants was neutralised in the process and one Toyota Avensis car with Registration No. LAGOS KRD 92 HU, was also recovered.
“The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the morgue, while intense bush coming and intelligence gathering is still ongoing for possible arrests of the assailants.
“The outgoing CP, now AIG Abutu Yaro fdc, has ordered the DC CID, DCP Samuel Olawore, Explosive and Ordnance Investigators and Forensic experts to the scene, while Tactical Teams led by the AC OPs, ACP James Chu are advancing to the general area to conduct further coordinate pursuit of the assailants.
“He commensurates with the bereaved families and prays to God to console them, as the authority of the Nigerian Police Force shares from the moment of their grief, while assuring that the perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to book to face the consequences of their action.
“The Command, while appealing for calm, promised that it will use all of its Human and material resources towards ensuring that the assailants are brought to book.
“It further urges the good people of the State to swiftly report any strange movement or unusual gathering within their environment to the police and other sister security agencies, noting that security is everybody’s business.”
About the Author
