Policeman Kills Businessman At Festac Town

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into the murder of a Lagos-based contractor, Oyoma Edewor, who was allegedly shot to death by a police sergeant, Godwin Otene, in the FESTAC area of the state.

A friend to the deceased, Olufikunayo Manuwa, said the incident occurred on Saturday evening while the deceased was towing his vehicle, a Toyota Forerunner.

Manuwa said the 33-year-old victim had gone to Lekki, adding that the vehicle broke down on his way home.

Edewor was said to have hired a towing truck to convey his vehicle to his house in FESTAC.

It was learnt that as he was approaching his house, three policemen at a check point mounted around Third Gate Bus Stop, ordered the driver, who was towing the vehicle, to stop.

The unidentified driver of the towing truck was said to have ignored the order, causing the policemen to chase them.

Manuwa said, “Oyoma was raised in FESTAC and was killed by the same people who are sworn to protect us. His car broke down and he called a towing van. While on their way, they were stopped by the police. The driver of the van refused to stop for unknown reasons.

“When he eventually stopped, the driver ran out, leaving Oyoma and his friends to deal with the police. They were asked to sit on the floor, which they did. While explaining to the officers what had happened, one of them (Otene) opened fire on Oyoma.

“A crowd, which had witnessed the incident, gathered around. The policeman said he suspected Oyoma had stolen the vehicle. However, passersby identified him as a member of the community. When the police realised the crowd was growing, they fled from the scene.

“What we heard now is that the policeman was drunk and off duty. This is not the first person being killed by the police. Oyoma must not die in vain.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the killing in a statement.

Braide said the suspect, who is attached to the Area E Command, had been detained while investigations were ongoing.

She said, “The Lagos State Command has arrested one Sergeant Otene Godwin with Force Number, 355272, and attached to Area ‘E’ Command, for allegedly shooting one Oyoma Edewor.

“The incident occurred on May 10, 2014 at about 11pm along the Alakija area of FESTAC Town. Otene abandoned his duty post as the Station Guard at Area ‘E’ Command and left for the Alakija area where the unfortunate incident occurred.

“The sergeant is already in police custody and circumstances surrounding the shooting incident are being investigated. The Nigeria Police is a disciplined organisation and will never tolerate any act of indiscipline from its members.

“The Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, wishes to use this medium to appeal to members of the public to remain calm as justice will be done. He also assures the deceased family that investigation will be concluded in good time.”