Tragedy: Police Officer kills colleague in Ondo

There was tragedy in Ondo west local government at the weekend, following the death of a police officer attached to Yaba Divisional Police station, Inspector Adelakun Lawal, who
was allegedly murdered by his colleague in the town.



Although the cause of the unfortunate incident is still sketchy as at the time of filling this report, It was reliably gathered that the suspect, Mr. Kazeem Shehu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who is said to be currently serving at Ajagba divisional police station in Ajagba town, Irele Local Government of the state, was said to be a close friend of the victim and was in his company before the incident occurred.



According to an eyewitness account, the duo were said to have gone together to a relaxation joint located at Ejankole street in Okerowo area in Ondo town at about 5 pm and were enjoying themselves, when suddenly an argument ensued between them which later degenerated into a hot argument and altercation.



The eyewitness stated further that all efforts made to broker peace between the duo by other people who also came to the relaxation centre proved abortive as they continued exchanging verbal assault between themselves.



This development according to the eyewitness account may have infuriated the assailant who he said later brought out a pistol which was hidden inside his pocket with which he shot the late police officer at a close range. The eyewitness stated that as a result of the shot, the deceased later fell down and was in a pool of his own blood.



In addition, the eye-witness further stated that upon the discovery that he has shot the victim, the assailant made spirited effort to flee from the area but was apprehended by some of those present at the relaxation joint.



When "The Nation" visited the scene of the incident, the victim who was seen been rushed to the Ondo state Specialist hospital in Ondo town in a police van was drenched in his own pool of blood. Also the assailant who sustained injuries which was said to have resulted due to effort being made by him to escape from the scene of the incident before he was apprehended, also had blood stains on his dress.



Similarly, there were large numbers of people mostly sympathizers who besieged the scene of the incident apparently to catch a glimpse of the suspect and the victim.



They were seen gathered in small groups discussing the development while some were seen crying and wailing.



 The victim who was until his untimely death serves as a police prosecutor at an Ondo Chief Magistrate court was rushed to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital in Ondo town where he was later confirmed dead by the doctors.

The Yaba Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Adegoke Alani, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), was not available for comment as he was said to have gone out for surveillance.


Also, the Area commander in Charge of Ondo Area Command, Mr.Hamzat Ameyi, could not be reached for comment.


However, a senior police officer at the station, [Name witheld] described the incident as unfortunate.



He said the report of the incident has been communicated to the station while the remains of the slain police prosecutor has been deposited at the morgue of the Ondo State Specialist Hospital in Ondo town.



He also stated that the report of the incident has been forwarded to the appropriate section at the Ondo state police command headquarters in Akure the capital of Ondo State for futher action.