BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Benin City, Nigeria – Edo State Police Command has arrested and detained four of its operatives over the gruesome shooting to death of a vigilante member in Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria.
The officers include Inspector. Igere Victor, Sgt. Umhenin Stanley, Sgt. Okongor Ojong and Cpl. Monday Joel, all of New Benin Police Division in Benin City.
Also detained along with the policemen are a man and his wife, identified as Mr. and Mrs. Sunday Egboh for conspiracy and murder.
Their arrest and detention were ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro in Benin City, according to a release e-signed by the command spokesman, SP Kontongs Bello and made available to journalists via the command official WhatsApp platform on Monday April 25, 2022.
The policemen, led by inspector Victor Igere allegedly shot to death a vigilante member one Ikponmwosa Aikpintanyi in Obazee area of Benin City about 2030hrs on Friday, April 22, 2022.
“The officers who are attached to New-Benin division of the command, were in Obazee area after receiving a distress call from one Sunday Egboh ‘M’ (42) that some boys suspected to be cultists were attempting to rape his wife Mrs. Rose Sunday ‘F’ (40).
“On receipt of the information a patrol team led by Inspr. Igere Victor were immediately drafted to the area. In the midst of commotion on their arrival a member of the patrol team allegedly fired a shot which hit the deceased on his chest,” the statement said.
The COMPOL has therefore directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of state criminal investigations department to carry out discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The police command however enjoins the general public to be calm as justice would be served.
