Police arrest 11 suspects over murder, burning of traditional ruler in Ogun State

Etim Ekpimah

The Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force, which covers Lagos and Ogun states, has arrested 11 suspects over the killing and burning of a traditional ruler in Ogun State, His Royal Highness Oba Odetola Olajide Ayinde, the Olu of Agodo town in Ifo Local Government Area.

It was learnt that one Gbeminyi Sotade ‘m’ aka okon and his cohorts carried out the murder and burning of the traditional ruler and his vehicle.

The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Hauwa Idris-Adamu, said in a statement on Monday that on January 28, 2022, a petition on “Re: Case of conspiracy, arson attempted murder and murder” were received from one Odetola Okuribido ‘m’ on behalf of the entire Okuribido Royal Family of Agodo town, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to Idris-Adamu, the late traditional ruler went to his village on a portion of land to clear the graveside of his late brother, all of a sudden, a group of hoodlums numbering about 50; led by one Gbeminiyi Sotade ‘m’ attacked him while three of his relatives were assaulted and machete.

“The hoodlums pushed the traditional ruler into his red Toyota Sienna SUV 2016 model with number plate APP 55 GF while one Agbara drove the vehicle in the company of other hoodlums to a nearby forest.

“Having murdered him, they poured petrol on his corpse and then set the vehicle that they had locked ablaze.

“The three persons who narrowly escaped death are Alfa Wahab ‘m’; Deborah Onilere ‘f’, and Lydia Odetola ‘f’.

“Eleven suspects have so far been arrested and they have confessed to their involvements in the crime and when asked why they attacked and murdered the Traditional Ruler; they claimed he was an “AJAGUNGBALE” (LAND GRABBER). Meanwhile, efforts are at top gear to arrest others at large.”

She stated that the public has been advised and warned to desist from taking the law into their hands by involving in any form of Criminality as whoever is caught up on the wrong side will face the full wrath of the law.

Idris-Adamu added that the AIG is assuring the citizens of Lagos and Ogun states that whosoever is involved in this dastardly act will be brought to book no matter how highly placed the person or group of persons are.

She, however, warned all hoodlums coming into Lagos and Ogun states to turn a new leaf or have a rethink of relocating out of the zone.