Three Suspected Cultists Arrested over Murder

Three suspected members of Eye and Aiye confraternities have been arrested by Police in Lagos State in connection with the murder of some rival cultists in Epe area of the state.

Among them is a 200 level Business Administration student of the Lagos State Polytechnic. The suspects, as gathered, were arrested following investigation into the incessant clashes between rival cultists by members of a vigilante.

Their identities were given as Olawale Olushote 20; Idowu Gborokini 29 and Seyi Adewunmi, 26.

According to Olushote, “I was forced into cultism by some of my course mates because of my built and intimidating looks. I was told I could one day become the Capone. But I have never killed anyone.

“Rather, I was attacked by members of Eiye confraternity, where I had gone to charge my phone. I did not know some members lived in the area.

“They stabbed me with a knife and broken bottle on the head. They even put some cartridges in my pocket, which the police found on me when I was handed over to them. I don’t own a gun let alone cartridges.”

Idowu Gborokini and Seyi Adewunmi denied being cultists. They claimed to be musician and bricklayer, respectively. They said they were arrested during a raid by policemen.

When contacted, Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Damasus Ozoani, said the suspects have been transferred to the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, from where they would be charged to court at the end of investigation.

Police Inspector Arrested over Alleged Accidental Discharge

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Umar Manko, has announced the arrest of a Police Inspector for allegedly killing a man with his official rifle.

Manko made the disclosure in Lagos when he met with the newly-elected officers of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) on Friday.

The police commissioner said the suspect allegedly went for a distress call, but later committed the crime under unprofessional circumstances.

"We are not interested in what led to the distress call. But we are interested in the fact that a life was lost in the incident. The Inspector acted unprofessionally."

"He has spent 28 years in the Force, so he should have been more careful."

"Right now, he has been arrested and transferred to the State CID, Panti for investigation."

“He will be prosecuted for murder,’’ Manko who said he was ready to expose and deal with any police officer found wanting in the discharge of his duties said.

Until his arrest, the police inspector was attached to the Elere Police Division in Lagos State.

Meanwhile, Manko has emphasised the need for a level playing field for the police and journalists reporting crime to interact and exchange views as partners in the fight against crime.

The police commissioner decried speculations in reporting crime; saying journalists on the crime beat should try to cross check their facts before going to press with their stories.

"Let us be objective in our reportage. Let us build on the good relationship we share."

“If I do anything wrong and you publish it, I have no problem with that. But I will not be happy about outright falsehood,’’ he said.

Manko then congratulated the new officers of CRAN, asking them to help ensure a better working relationship.

“As long as I remain here as police commissioner, I will continue to partner with CRAN,’’ he said.

Earlier, the CRAN Chairman, Mr Christopher Oji, had said he and his team were in Manko’s office to introduce the new executive committee members to him.

“We are also here to intimate you with our yearly programmes,’’ he said.