A lawyer to the family of Isiaq Jimoh who was allegedly killed by the men of Nigerian Police serving in Owode Police Station in Ogbomoso, Oyo State during the nationwide end SARS protest, has given seven days ultimatum for investigation and threatened to institute legal action against the police.
Isiaq, a 20 year old electrician that was just completed his apprenticeship and also looking forward to his freedom fixed for April 25, 2021
Hussein Afolabi in a letter dated October 12, 2020 asked the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to investigate the murder of Isiaq Jimoh of Ogiri Compound, Ita Alasa, Ogbomoso who was killed by stray bullet in a peaceful end SARS protest.
Afolabi said that the deceased was not even part of the protest but was hit by a bullet when the officers opened fire to disperse unarmed protesters despite the lawful gathering and peaceful assembly.
The lawyer stated that the eyewitnesses are willing to give statements provided their security is guaranteed, that the DPO was the first officer that fired his sidearm into the crowd of unarmed protesters.
According to him,”We have video evidence to back up the allegation. One officer Smart, and Ayeni whom eyewitness said fired the lethal shot that ultimately killed Isiaq.
“The action of your men in Ogbomoso are atrocious. Iraq was not the only victim of the menace unleashed by your men in Ogbomoso. We have been informed that the two others, whose names are Opakan and Akeju have also been killed and four other persons including a 10 year old boy are currently being treated of various gunshot wounds at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.”
The lawyer therefore asked for immediate investigation into the extra-judicial killing of Isiaq, Opakan and Akeju. “We urge you to ensure that the investigation is thorough, fair and transparent and that the report be made open to the public.”
Also, he demand for immediate suspension of the Commisioner of Police of Oyo State for his inactions and others over the matter.
The letter read, ” The Area Commander of Ogbomoso who allegedly gave the order to shoot the unarmed protesters, the DPO of Owode Police Station , officer Smart and officer Ayeni be suspended pending the outcome of your investigation. If any of all these persons are found culpable, we demand their dismissal fro service and their criminal prosecution for the crimes committed.
“Given an overwhelming evidence of police brutality in Ogbomoso, and the national outcry over these incident, we hope you can set up an investigation committee to look into these matters urgently.
“If the investigation is not conducted into the matters within seven days, from the receipt of this letter, we shall take appropriate steps within the law by filing criminal complaint against these persons pursuant to Section 88 and 89 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.”
