Cop shoots driver in Ibadan

Posted by admin Headlines, Nigerian Police, Oyo, State News Thursday, October 27th, 2011

There was pandemonium in Omi-Adio community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State yesterday after a mobile policeman allegedly shot a driver for refusing to give N20 bribe. The victim, identified simply as Aminu Mudashiru, who was said to have been wounded by the police bullet was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Apata area. He was said to be in critical condition.

Eyewitness accounts said Mudashiru, who drove a truck with registration number SG 137 BDJ was asked by the policeman at the road block to pay the “usual” N20 bribe before he could be allowed to go. Mudashiru was said to have explained to the policeman that he had earlier paid the money when he passed through the area in the early hours of the day but his explanation fell on deaf ears. The policeman insisted on collecting the money while also ordering him to park.

“While the driver was about pulling over to avoid causing obstruction to other road users, the policeman, who felt the driver was about to speed off opened fire and shot the driver in his hand, after the bullet pierced through the windscreen,” the witnesses said. Shortly after the incident, youths in the area, numbering over 50 were said to have mobilized themselves to protest the shooting. On sighting the angry youths, the policeman and his colleagues were said to have taken to their heels to avoid being lyched.

As a result of the confusion, traders at the popular Omi-Adio Market hurriedly close their shops and stalls to avoid being caught up in the confusion. They were said to have marched to the police station at the area to register their grievances over the perceived excesses of the policemen at the Omi-Adio town, whom they accused of mounting unnecessary road blocks.

When Daily Sun visited the Apata Police Station, where the matter was reported by the angry youths, who staged a peaceful protest, it was gathered that the mobile policeman who shot the driver had been arrested and detained.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Okanlawon said he was yet to be briefed by the Apata Police Station .

-Sunwp_posts