More tension in Ondo as SARS operative allegedly kills man

In Ondo State, Nigeria, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have allegedly killed a man Seun Ayoade who died under a suspicious circumstance in a detention facility in Akure, the state capital.

According to reports, the policemen, led by Inspector Oladele Ojelabi arrested the victim as well as others on Tuesday October 17, 2017.

This was perceived as an act of intimidation by Ojelabi who had displayed a lustful interest in the wife of the deceased identified as Mrs. Gbemisola Okoro.

The latter who is also a police officer had repeatedly turned down the advances of the inspector, insisting that she was married with children. But this only encouraged a determined Ojelabi to take drastic measures.

Through an act of bullying, Ademilola, a hairdresser apprehended at her shop in Oke-Aro located in Ondo, led the SARS operatives to the resident of Okoro and the deceased. In a chat with the Daily Post News, she insisted the policemen failed to state her offence yet found herself at the state police command in Akure.

“The SARS officers didn’t release me until 8am the following day but refused to release others.

“As I was trying to secure their release, I met Inspector Ojelabi who promised to help me and had sexual intercourse with me,” Ademilola told the Daily Post News of her encounter.

ALSO READ: 'Those who call for scrapping of SARS are armed robbers' - Force PPRO

Mr. Femi Joseph, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State Command confirmed reports concerning the incident. This was following pressures from the family of the deceased who urged the state commissioner to look into the matter.

The PPRO maintained that the officer concerned Ojelabi is still only a suspect until proven guilty. He assured that the police inspector will face penalties if found guilty of the allegations.

Ongoing protests against SARS

Meanwhile, in Lagos, Abuja and Warri,protesters have taken to the streets to state their concern over the excesses of some officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

The marchers carried placards with various disapproving inscriptions that expresses dissatisfaction over the abusive behaviour of SARS operatives who have appeared in online videos where they were seen assaulting civilians.

This factor has led the public to lose faith in the existence of the anti-crime unit, a reason why there has been a nationwide campaign calling for it to be scrapped.