25th October, 2017
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
The police in Benin have arrested seven members of the gang suspected to have murdered a lecturer at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Paul Otasowie.
The lecturer was shot dead by gunmen at his private residence on 4 October, in Benin City, the Edo state capital.
The new State Police Commissioner, Mr. Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, made the disclosure Wednesday in Benin, while parading 53 suspects arrested for various crimes, among whom are kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and car snatchers.
He said the late Professor’s mobile phone was recovered from one of the suspects, adding that family members of the lecturer have come forward to identify the phone.
He sought the support of relevant government agencies and the judiciary in the fight against crime and delivery of criminal justice administration.
Kokumo who said the bail of suspects is free, noted that all the reforms in the state police command were targeted at putting machinery in place to ensure barest minimum record of crime in the state.
He added that Police would ensure suspects arrested for crimes which the police do not have rights to grant bail are charged to court.
1: Kokumo displaying some of the arms recovered from suspects
“Where you cannot secure the release or bail without parting with money in bailable circumstances. Please contact me through my mobile phones that will be made public or reach the state police command.
“Any police station that demand bail from lawyers seeking the bail of suspects and clients should be reported to the command headquarters. Our mission is to ensure that we reduce crime to the barest tolerable minimum,” he said.