‘SARS operatives robbed, killed my son’

The father of a businessman allegedly killed by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has cried out for justice.

The late 45-year-old businessman, whose name his father, Pa Rasheed Ayinla, gave as Ismaila, was allegedly shot dead in a hotel where he was said to have lodged to pass the night in Iwo town, Osun State.

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Pa Ayinla told Daily Trust on Wednesday that his son had left Owo in Ondo State on a business trip to Oyo State, but decided to stay over in the hotel in Iwo when it got dark to avoid night travel for fear of an attack by armed robbers.

Pa Ayinla alleged that some SARS operatives who also lodged at the hotel, however, robbed and killed Ismaila.

Our correspondent learnt that a mob stormed the hotel after the alleged killing and attempted to lynch the policemen, but for the timely intervention of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.

One of the SARS operatives alleged to have killed the businessman was understood to have been arrested and was being detained at the police headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital.

Oba Akanbi confirmed the incident in a chat with our correspondent, describing it as “unfortunate” and promised to ensure justice for the deceased family.

When contacted, the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mrs Yemisis Opalola, said the detained SARS operative claimed Ismaila was an armed robber and was killed when he wanted to rob at the hotel.

Opalola told Daily Trust that the matter was being investigated and assured that the policemen would not go unpunished if found culpable.

Ismaila, who is survived by his aged parents, a wife and five children, had been buried in Iwo, according to Islamic rites.