13th June, 2011
The remains of the late Divisional Crime Officer, DCO, of Badagry Police Station, Superintendent of Police Samson Okedusi were laid to rest in his hometown, Magbon, Badagry, Lagos amidst wailings by members of the family he left behind, friends and colleagues.
The white-colour casket containing his remains was lowered into the grave in front of his house at 1,2/3 Samtayo Street, Magbon in the presence of his two wives and children.
Policemen from the Badagry Station also paid their last respects to the fallen officer with a gun salute.
In his condolence letter to the family of the deceased, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, assured them of his determination to ensure that those responsible for the killing of the police officer were brought to book.
“ I write to offer the deepest and most heartfelt condolences of myself, my family, the government and people of Lagos State over the tragic loss of your husband and father, Superintendent of Police Samson Okedusi while on official service of his nation.
“I am indeed lost of words at the circumstances that led to his painful loss but I am given solace, as I pray you are, by the knowledge that though we may sometimes be tested in our faith, God’s will is the ultimate determinant of our fates.
“I have been assured by the relevant authorities that those responsible for the dastardly act shall be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law and I undertake to see that this is done. Your husband and father was a diligent, honest, fearless and gallant man who committted his whole life to the service of humanity and our hearts and thoughts are with you at this difficult time,†Governor Fashola stated in his letter delivered to the Okedusi family by the council manager of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Mr. Olaleye.
In a speech delivered shortly before the burial, the family of the deceased called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, to institute an independent panel of inquiry to probe the killing of the DCO and others allegedly killed by soldiers last month.
“We will not succumb to threat, intimidation and compromise or any other alternative than justice. We are once again calling on all human right groups, both local and international, to come to our aid and ensure that the soldiers involved in this heinous crime are brought to book, likewise the police officer that fired the first shot should be prosecuted,†the family stated.
—Dedeigbo Ayodeji
