The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of four suspects for alleged murder of Gov. Adams Oshiomhole’s aide, Mr Olaitan Oyerinde, in Benin. Oyerinde , who was the Principal Private Secretary to Oshiomhole and Deputy National Secretary of the NLC, was on May 4, shot dead in his Ogbor residence by unknown persons.
President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered the I-G to ensure that the police fished out the killers. Abubakar made the confirmation of the arrest while addressing newsmen in Benin shortly after addressing officers and men of the Police Zone 5 ahead of Saturday’s Edo governorship election.
“Yes, I can confirm that the police have arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of Oyerinde and investigation is continuing. On Oshiomhole’s rejection of the police investigation report into the alleged attack on his motorcade on Auchi-Warrake road in April, the I-G said the police had the constitutional responsibility to conduct investigations. “We have come out with our report and we stand by the report of our investigation until otherwise proven.
Abubakar said: “we were not part of the accident. We have interrogated those involved and have given their statements to the police. “And based on their statements, the police came to the conclusion we arrived at,’’ he said. Abubakar added that “whether anybody dismisses it or not, that is not the issue.
“The facts available to us now inform us of what we have said, and if any body has anything contrary, he should be able to come forward to defend it.
“We cannot allow people to sit down and make statements they don’t have facts about.
“If you have evidence to say it was A, B, C or D, you must be ready to prove it.” On the election, the I-G warned men and officers of the zone not to be used by any person or group of persons to circumvent the electoral process. Abubakar said: “I have come with your allowances and will be adequately taken care of. Please do not compromise your position or be allowed to be used by any individual.
“This election is a test case for us and the country and people are watching to see whether we can conduct a free, fair and credible election.
“You should therefore be ready to partner with other sister security agencies during the election. You must not molest or harass a voter with the card.
“You should be civil but firm as I will not tolerate report of indiscipline. If you allow yourselves to be used, you will be tried, dismissed and be made to face criminal offence in the court,’’ he said.
Source (Leadership)
