Reps to probe death of principal suspect of Offa robbery

The House of Representatives has unveiled plans to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of principal suspect in the bank robbery and killing of 32 people in Offa, Kwara State, while in police custody.

The lawmakers also harped on the need to probe rights abuse, extra-judicial killings and manipulation of criminal investigation by the police.

Recall that on the 5th of April, 2018, six robbery suspects led by one Michael Adikwu attacked five commercial banks in Offa, Kwara State, where 32 people were killed.

According to the resolution passed by the House, the joint Committee is expected to uncover the issues and questions as to when the suspect died, how he died, why the police denied the facts of his death, at what point the police leadership discovered the death of the suspect and why the police are covering up the facts.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Zakari Mohammed (PDP-Kwara) under matters of urgent national importance of the plenary session.

He also queried the role the police seems to be playing in the investigation of the robbery as it is beginning to look politically motivated, and the fact that that it took them too long to notify the public of the death of the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the death.

Mohammed observed that the police initially confirmed to the Attorney General of Kwara State through the Police Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh that the principal was alive and in custody and was helping the police in the investigations of the robbery that led to the killing of 22 people and recovery of firearms that were carted aware

He added that it took the police so long to make the disclosure about the death of the principal after denying its veracity as was reported in the media.

The lawmaker expressed worry that there have been inconsistencies in the various statements by the police and the possible cover up of this extra-judicial killing with the aim of tarnishing the image of some innocent individuals for political purposes.

According to him, the fundamental duty of the police is to protect lives and property of all citizens irrespective of political affiliation.

“It is the constitutional duty of this hallowed chamber to take action wherever such level of irresponsibility and recklessness of an important law enforcement agency such as the police have arisen in the course of investigations into a vicious crime.”

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committee on Police Affairs and Human Rights to investigate the incident and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.