Mob sets policeman ablaze over driver’s killing (That should teach others a lesson)

Posted by admin Headlines, Nigerian Police Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

A police Corporal, Olufemi Ajayi, was reportedly set ablaze on Wednesday by angry mob at Ayete, Ibarapa North Local Government Council of Oyo State for allegedly shooting and killing a middle aged commercial driver said to have refused to offer bribe at a checkpoint.

The commercial driver, Mr. Emiola Kolade, allegedly had his eye pulled out from the socket by bullets. The deceased, according to eyewitnesses, later died at a nearby hospital in Igboora.

Ajayi, who was attached to Igboora Police Station, was said to have opened fire on the commercial driver following a minor argument at a checkpoint.

Sympathisers, having realised that Kolade was in a critical condidtion, allegedly asked the policeman to take the driver to a nearby hospital.

The mob, wielding clubs, stone and green leaves along Idere/Ayete Road, reportedly swooped on the policeman and beat him to a state of coma before setting him ablaze.

An eyewitness (name not given) said the commercial driver, who was shot on the left side of his upper jaw, was rushed to Igboora General Hospital in a pool of his blood where he was confirmed dead.

The source said, “The commercial driver was said to have initially given him N100 but the police corporal rejected the money on the excuse that it was too small.

“We later heard a sudden gunshot and the commercial driver was found lying on the ground. The policeman took to his heels but some people around chased him into the bush.”

Another eyewitness at the hospital said the driver was brought to the hospital alive but died soon after as a result of excessive loss of blood.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Command, Mr. Femi Okanlawon, confirmed the case. He, however, explained that the matter was being investigated by the police authorities.

-Punchwp_posts