7 Suspects Arrested As Hoodlums Kill Police Officer Chasing Criminals In Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested at least seven persons over an incident that led to the death of a police officer in Ibadan.

The incident happened at Moniya Motor Park in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

The Spokesperson of the command, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the body of the deceased officer has been deposited at the State Morgue for post-mortem while 12 motorcycles were impounded.

According to the PPRO, the police officer died after suffering a heavy blow to his skull inflicted by one of the hoodlums while preventing them from dispossessing him of his firearm.

“Operatives attached to Moniya Area Command under the Oyo State Police Command while on lawful intelligence led Stop and Search around a major black spot were attacked in the line of duty,” he said.

“Preliminary Investigation reveals that the Patrol team while acting on credible intelligence through visible policing duties extended their presence around major black spots, highways and major roads under Akinyele Local Government Area Axis in a bid to deter criminal elements from settling and establishing dominance within the location

“In furtherance of the above, the team of operatives on patrol led by one Inspr Stanley Ikhine, flagged down an Ash colored Lexus 350 Jeep with a faintly inscribed worn-off number further arousing suspicion from the Officers on watch.

“In the process, the vehicle initially slowed down in compliance with the directive before eventually picking up speed and dashing off to evade the officers on duty.

“This action led to a chase by the officers in a bid to establish further clarity of facts.

“A few meters away from the initial stoppage point, the Lexus Jeep veered off the road to a nearby garage, driving directly into the waiting hands of hoodlums who were also collaborators in the criminal process, thereby not only obstructing the officers from discharging their duties but as well aiding the escape of the SUV and its occupants.

“Consequent on the above, the hoodlums attacked the Officers unprovoked and attempted forcefully dragging a rifle from one of the officers which led to a shot being discharged from the barrel during the process of the struggle

“Sadly, the gallant officer paid the supreme price, suffering a heavy blow to his skull inflicted by one of the hoodlums while preventing them from dispossessing him of his firearm.”