25th April, 2022
By Jethro Ibileke
Four operatives of the Edo Police Command and a couple have been arrested for alleged involvement in the shooting and killing of a vigilante member, Ikponwonsa Aikpitanyi at Obaze Street, off Ewah Road, in Benin, the state capital.
Their arrest and detention was at the order of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro.
The detained operatives are Inspr. Igere Victor, Sgt. Umhenin Stanley, Sgt. Okongor Ojong and Cpl. Monday Joel while the arrested couple was identified as Mr. & Mrs. Sunday Egboh.
They were arrested for conspiracy and murder.
The 27-year-old Aikpitanyi, a member of the local vigilante group at Obaze Street, off Ewah Road, in Benin, was allegedly shot dead on Friday night by one of the operatives for allegedly preventing a woman, Mrs. Rose Sunday, from dumping refuse in a moat in the neighborhood.
The operatives who are attached to New-Benin division of Edo Police Command, were in Obazee area after receiving a distress call from the Sunday Egboh who claimed that some boys suspected to be cultist were attempting to rape his wife Mrs. Rose Sunday.
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.
A statement by the Edo Police Command’s spokesman, SP Kontongs Bello, noted that CP Yaro received the news with great bewilderment and described the action of the team as unacceptable and unprofessional.
“He laid emphasis that the Command under his watch will not condone acts of misconduct that are inimical to the peace and safety of law abiding citizens of Edo State.
“Against this backdrop, the CP directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of state criminal investigations department to carry out discreet investigation in order to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and therefore enjoins the general public to be calm as justice would be served,” the statement noted.