Police arrest 4 officers, couple over vigilante’s murder in Edo

The Edo state police command has arrested for police officers and a couple over alleged killing of a vigilante member in the state.

The arrested officers are Inspr. Igere Victor, Sgt. Umhenin Stanley, Sgt. Okongor Ojong and Cpl. Monday Joel while the couple are Mr. & Mrs. Sunday Egboh.

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It was learnt that the deceased, Ikponwonsa Aikpitanyi, was hit by a bullet fired by one of the policemen allegedly invited by Sunday Egboh.

Speaking with journalists in Benin, the state police command’s spokesperson, Kontongs Bello, said the police officers were arrested for allegedly killing the vigilante member, one Ikponwonsa Aikpitanyi, while the couple were arrested for conspiracy and murder.

He said the incident happened in the Obazee area of Benin on April 22, around 8pm during a rescue operation.

Bello said the officers attached to New-Benin division of the command were in the area after receiving a distress call from 42-year-old Egboh that some boys suspected to be cultists were attempting to rape his wife, Rose, 40.

He said on receipt of the information a patrol team led by Inspr. Igere Victor were drafted to the area, adding that in the midst of the commotion on their arrival a member of the patrol team allegedly fired a shot which hit the vigilante in the chest.

He added, “The Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, described the action of the team as unacceptable and unprofessional, warning that the command under his watch will not condone acts of misconduct that are inimical to the peace and safety of law abiding citizens of the state.”

He said the commissioner had ordered the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department to carry out discreet investigation in order to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He however urged the public to remain calm and be law abiding as justice would be served.