Policeman to be tried for murder

A Police Corporal, who allegedly killed the Meiran/Ilepo branch chairman of the Three-Wheelers Association of Nigeria will be dismissed and prosecuted for murder, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Umar Manko has said.


Manko, who said Corporal Abbey Adekunle, who allegedly killed Dele Oroja, was drunk, added that he has ordered the demolition of all makeshift shops where local gin and other alcohols are sold around Meiran Police Station.

Manko said the suspect is being detained at the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.

He said during his tour of Area Commands, he lectured policemen on how to handle firearms and the consequences of misuse, adding that the corporal is on his own.

Adekunle had allegedly fired and killed Oroja on Thursday night following a disagreement over bribe. The corporal was said to have demanded bribe from the Oroja, who was taking him to command area to buy feeds for his domestic animals.

Adekunle was alleged to have dropped his rifle and fled after the shooting. He was later arrested by his colleagues who also recovered the rifle.
The incident elicited protest last Friday morning by members of the association and street urchins when they learnt that their leader had been killed by a policeman.

The armed protesters, it was learnt, attacked the police station, pulled down the gate and were on the verge of setting it ablaze when a re-enforcement of policemen from the State Headquarters and Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of operations arrived. Their arrival saved the station.

Manko urged members of the association, the bereaved family and residents to remain calm as justice would be done.