The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a suspected land-grabber, Abiodun Ariori a company CEO accused of masterminding a bloody clash in Owode Onirin that left three people dead and a police officer fighting for his life.
Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the suspect, identified as the Chief Executive Officer of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, is now on the run after being directly linked to the violence.
“Three persons sustained fatal injuries and were confirmed dead when they were rushed to the hospital by the police. The police victim is in a critical and life-threatening condition at the hospital, where he is receiving treatment,” Hundeyin stated.
According to Hundeyin, preliminary investigations and prima facie evidence point squarely to Ariori as the mastermind of the violent clash between traders and land-grabbers, which spiralled into chaos.
He added that Ariori has evaded arrest, forcing the command to declare him wanted.
“The suspect is hereby declared wanted by the police as all efforts to effect his arrest and bring him to justice has so far proved abortive. It is very clear that he has gone into hiding,” Hundeyin said.
Hundeyin urged members of the public to remain vigilant and help apprehend the fugitive.
“The suspect, if seen, should be apprehended and handed over to the nearest police station or call the command control room on: 08063299264, 09053872208, 08127155150, email: lagosstatepolicecommandikeja@gmail.com. Wherever he is, he should turn himself in at the nearest police station,” he appealed.
The command confirmed that panic gripped the Owode Onirin market as the clash blocked major highways and paralysed commercial activities until Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a team of officers to the scene.
“Consequent on the disturbance of public peace, law and order, blocking of highways and roads leading in and out of the market as a result of the clash, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, led officers to the market to restore peace. The roads were reopened to traffic and people started going about their lawful businesses,” Hundeyin explained.
To prevent a resurgence of the violence, CP Jimoh has stationed additional police personnel in the area.
In a shocking twist, Hundeyin disclosed that four policemen allegedly brought in from outside Lagos by the suspect were arrested.
“The four policemen, who were brought in from outside Lagos by the suspect, were immediately identified and detained at the command headquarters for orderly room trial,” he said, adding that the officers were charged with embarking on an illegal duty.
The spokesperson assured that the outcome of the investigation and trial would be made public.
NAN
