Ondo: Killer Cop Escapes As Police Arrest Five Team Members

The Ondo State Police Command on Wednesday said the policeman, who killed a truck driver last Monday in Uso town in Owo Local Government Area of the state, was yet to be arrested as he had fled immediately he committed the crime.

However, five other members of the Highway Patrol Team had been arrested.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, disclosed the development to journalists in Akure.

The policeman, identified as Sergeant Idowu Omosuyi, attached to the Federal Highway Patrol, allegedly shot the truck driver, Ado Saleh, at a checkpoint on Akure-Owo expressway in Uso town following an argument between both of them.

The driver died instantly while the  incident sparked off a protest by other truck drivers and the residents of the town, who barricaded the expressway for several hours.

 

Joseph said the men of the Ondo State Command were already on the trail of the fleeing killer police officer while the investigation has commenced on the incident.

According to him, "We are yet to arrest him ( Omosuyi) but the other members of the team have been arrested and are currently in detention. It was during our preliminary investigation that the members of the team told us that immediately after the incident, he (Omosuyi) dropped his gun and ran away.

"But we are after him, he cannot escape and we will soon declare him wanted if he doesn't report himself to the command, however, the command has begun the trial of all members of the team."

A police source said the command had taken the deceased to Adamawa State where he was buried.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owo branch, which condemned the act of the policeman, has called on the state police command to ensure the prosecution of the trigger-happy policeman.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the association, Tajudeen Ahmed, the NBA condemned the ‘unprofessional attitude’ of the policemen on the roads.

According to the statement, "The NBA Owo branch noted with delight, the resolve of the Ondo State Police Command to ensure that the culprit of the 'Uso police murder' is made to face the full wrath of the law.

"The branch hereby expresses its willingness to assist in the due and diligent prosecution of the culprit on pro bono publico basis."