By Rotimi Ojomoyela
Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti state Police Commissioner, Mr. Abdullahi Chafe, has denied that his Command was shielding the officers, who beat up an American returnee, Mrs. Toyin Adeyeye, a couple of weeks ago.
Speaking with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend while parading three suspects; Muhammed Isiaka, Ismaila Musa Okoro and Awolusi Abidemi, for being in possession of dried human head and other dangerous items, Chafe said the matter was being investigated.
Mrs. Adeyeye was allegedly beaten at a police checkpoint by some police officers in Ado Ekiti, while her $750 was allegedly stolen when she refused to bribe the officers.
The matter, according to him, is being investigated.
“We are partnering with civil liberty organisations to train our people in the protection of rights and liberty of the citizens. We are not brutal and we respect people’s rights, including criminals in our custody. So, there is no reason for us to shield anybody. We will make our investigation public when completed,” he said.
The Police boss said the suspects were arrested by men of the Operation Flush at Igirigiri , a farmstead in Ado Ekiti , describing the suspects as kidnappers and armed robbers terrorising Ekiti in recent time.
Also arrested, according to Chafe, was a notorious robber terrorising Ido Ekiti and environs, Tope Falua, while other members of his gang, Olaoluwa Fagbamila, Gbenga Faleye and Kehinde Adejuwon, had been nabbed.
“When we searched the premises of Adejuwon, charms, substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.”
He said his men also arrested Oyewumi Tope and Olayiwola Faluru while allegedly siphoning diesel within the premises of the Ekiti state Water Corporation.
“Those are our efforts in the recent time. We will not rest until we ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed. And these people will be charged to court soon.”
