Family of Owolabi Oniyiku, who was allegedly shot dead by policemen attached to a border patrol team in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, has appealed to the state government and police authorities to investigate the incident and ensure justice.
The family also called for the dismissal of the officers allegedly involved, accusing them of harassment and extortion along the road.
A relative of the deceased, Kolade Oniyiku, told Newsmen that the victim had returned to the community to celebrate the Oro festival and was expected to travel back when he encountered the policemen at Akinde Junction.
According to him, the policemen had seized some motorcycles, causing apprehension among other motorcyclists who feared their motorcycles might also be impounded.
He said the deceased approached the officers to ask if he could pass through, but an argument allegedly ensued before one of the policemen opened fire.
“He went there to ask if they could pass through the other side of their shed. The police officer began arguing with him, saying, ‘Don’t pass here, don’t pass here.’
“As he started turning around, the officer just opened fire on him; he didn’t even move further. He didn’t fight with them; he didn’t do anything,” Kolade alleged.
He expressed disappointment that no police officer had visited the family or formally contacted them following the incident.
Kolade said the deceased’s remains were deposited at a mortuary, adding that the family followed the body there.
He described Oniyiku as the main breadwinner of the family, saying he was responsible for the welfare of his mother and younger siblings.
“What his death did to us right now is very heavy. It devastated the family because he was the one taking care of his mother. He was the one sending money to all his younger siblings. He was the one taking care of the family. It hurt the family deeply; all of us are in tears,” he said.
Kolade clarified that contrary to reports that the deceased’s wife had recently given birth, it was his younger brother’s wife who had welcomed a baby.
He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to intervene and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
“Please, they should intervene now, because with what happened, those police officers ought to be dismissed, all of them,” he said.
He also called for an end to what he described as frequent roadblocks and alleged extortion by security personnel along the road.
“Regarding those roadblocks they set up on that road, we don’t want them. The government should save us from them because they are doing too much,” he added.
Kolade further alleged that security personnel frequently demanded money from motorists and residents, particularly on market days.
“Sometimes officers like the Border Patrol collect N50,000 or N100,000 from people for minor issues. And if we report to their superiors, they won’t listen,” he alleged.
He urged the government to act urgently, saying the family did not want the death to be in vain.
Some youths reportedly set fire to two police station buildings in the community following the alleged killing.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Oniyiku, a Lagos-based resident, had returned to the community with some friends for the Oro festival when he was allegedly shot by policemen.
The source said the incident occurred around Akinde Junction, on the Ifonyintedo axis, where he described the police facility as a makeshift checkpoint.
According to him, the location had allegedly become notorious for harassment of motorists and commercial motorcyclists, sparking outrage among residents.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, had promised to respond to inquiries about the incident but had not done so at the time of publication.
However, in a response to Daily Post, Oluseyi confirmed that the officers involved in the incident had been detained.
Ogun family seeks justice over alleged police killing of breadwinner
