Inspector accused of working with robber detained

isaac dachen

April 15, 2016 11:00 AM

The Inspector of Police accused of aiding and abetting an armed robbery suspect has been arrested and detained at last.

The suspect, Akeem Popoola

At last, the senior police officer accused of grooming and working with an arrested armed robbery suspect, Inspector Festus Omotosho aka Ijaya, has been detained by the Lagos State Command after he was arrested and questioned.

Omotosho, attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Command, was accused of working with Akeem Popoola, who was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for robbery and burglary.

Read: "Deadly Revelations: 'My boss is a senior police officer' - Robbery Suspect"

The 21-year-old Popoola had told his interrogators that Inspector Omotosho was his mentor, and would give him a phone to sell to people, only to handcuff him and take him to the buyer where he and two others, identified as Abbey and Aluko, would accuse the buyers of acquiring stolen property and demand a bribe of between N120,000 and N150,000, adding that he got a N5,000 share for each successful deal.

Initially, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dolap Badmus, had denied that there was any of such officers in the command but after a lot of public outcry, he was arrested and questioned.

Read: "Law Enforcement: Lagos CP summons corrupt police officer"

In a turn around, Badmos confirmed Omotosho's detention, saying he would be prosecuted for criminal charges if found culpable of the allegation, adding that the command had commenced investigation into the allegation against him.

“The CP Lagos State Command has ordered his (Ijaya’s) detention. The command and the Ogun State Police Command are investigating the criminal charges. If he is culpable, he will be prosecuted.

The leadership of the police is committed to cleaning up the force and will continue to decisively deal with bad eggs. We will inform you when the outcome of the investigation is ready.”

Her Ogun State counterpart, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, also confirmed the Inspector's arrest, saying he would face the wrath of the law if found wanting.

“The Inspector has been arrested, but he is being investigated by the Lagos command for now. We will make sure we have proper investigation into the case.

He is there with other suspects. It is a joint assignment with the Lagos command. We assure the public that those found wanting in the case will face the full wrath of the law.”

isaac dachen